Helen Pidd

He's outside, enjoying the sunshine, having a drink with a close friend.

And Stefan gets introduced to Julie Meyer, MBE.

Stefan says he's told the seminar is all about meeting investors.

It'll cost him thousands of euros.

But his is a small company and that is a lot of money.

So he comes up with an idea.

He'll serve his gin at the seminar's opening party and bring his band with him instead of paying the full fee.

And how did it feel for you when you saw these people enjoying your gin?

Stefan says that a few days later, Julie comes to him with an offer.

Let me help you get investment, she says.

For a fee.

This kind of investment is a huge risk for Stefan.

But he says Julie's enthusiasm persuades him it's worth it.

They start working on his business plan, tweaking the company's projections.

According to Stefan, Julie spends the whole time promising him that she'll land a big investor.

The frozen pizza company.

And did she make you believe that together you could do it?

Then he says he gets a phone call.

The investor tells Stefan they've sent €25,000 to Julie's company.

But, according to Stefan, Julie says the money isn't ready yet.