Entrepreneur Country is a community for entrepreneurs, investors and industry leaders. Founded by BBC Online Dragons' Den star & Ariadne Capital Founder Julie Meyer, Entrepreneur Country provides entrepreneurs with the tools needed to help improve their business through its website, social media communities, digital magazine and in-person events.

Santander UK's Breakthrough programme, which seeks to identify the best entrepreneurial companies in the UK and help them achieve their full potential, was a natural fit for Entrepreneur Country.

The agreement will see Breakthrough become the headline partner for Entrepreneur Country's bi-annual Forum events over the next two years and will also play a key role in the strategic future of engaging with entrepreneurs across the UK.

Speaking ahead of the announcement, Julie Meyer, CEO of Ariadne Capital and Founder of Entrepreneur Country said: "The appetite that the UK is showing for entrepreneurialism is crucial for the regeneration of the British economy. We at Entrepreneur Country champion the business leaders and digital enablers who are instrumental in wealth creation across the UK. Working with Santander's Breakthrough programme will help get resources, training and investment to the businesses within our community who are the game changers in their sectors."

John Mark Williams, Head of the Breakthrough programme said: “We’re pleased to be announcing this partnership with Entrepreneur Country. The Breakthrough programme was created by Santander UK to help fast growth small businesses unlock their potential and turn the entrepreneurial ideas of today into the successful and wealth generating businesses of tomorrow. We feel that Entrepreneur Country is a perfect fit, adding another layer of support to our programme and we are looking forward to working very closely together over the next couple of years.”

To find out more about Santander UK's Breakthrough Programme, visit www.santanderbreakthrough.co.uk