The creator of a green entertainment resort with a difference has been handed a package of funding and support to help open up opportunities abroad.

Bridport-born Simon Elliot, CEO of Garden of Ideas, has been named among the winners of Heathrow Airport’s World of Opportunity grant programme.

Garden of Ideas is inspired by the UK’s historic Pleasure Gardens and aims to be a cultural entertainment resort that showcases art, science and technology in a garden setting, exploring how mankind can work more harmoniously with nature.

Through the World of Opportunity Programme’ Heathrow will provide £40,000 for SME trade missions or research into global markets of their choice. Garden of Ideas will also have access to the personalised advice of an International Trade Advisor from the Department of International Trade, and a Plaza Premium lounge pass to begin their trip in style as they depart from Heathrow.

Mr Elliott said: “This award is perfectly timed, to enable Garden of Ideas to access upcoming meetings with our partner’s sites in China and India, where some of the most visionary ways to bring nature into cities are being conceived. Garden of Ideas is a cultural entertainment resort inspired by the UK’s historic Pleasure Gardens, that will platform the world’s best art, science and technology, in a spectacular garden setting. Our business re-imagines fresh ways of how cities can work in harmony with nature.

“Heathrow have been an important route to China and India in previous trips. Our award winning creative team look forward to the next stage of realising Garden of Ideas in India and China with help from Heathrow’s World of Opportunity grant.”

The World of Opportunity programme was open from June 16 to July 14 of this year. More than 290 applications were received and the winning entries were chosen by a panel of experts including Heathrow Chairman Lord Deighton, DIT’s International Trade Advisor Keith Moses and Daily Express Small Business Correspondent, Maisha Frost.

Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye said: “As the UK’s gateway to the world and its biggest port by value, Heathrow is essential in getting British goods and services to international markets. From beauty products to beets, snow sport instructors to architects, Heathrow and the Department of International Trade are boosting the growth of a unique mix of British goods and services.

“With the World of Opportunity programme, we are showing the world the breadth of talent and opportunity from all across the nations and regions of the UK. And demonstrating once again, that Britain’s gateway is open for business.”