To promote local enterprise, I launched the Spelthorne Business Plan Competition in July 2013.
Just before Christmas, the final of the Spelthorne Business Plan Competition 2014 took place at BP’s headquarters in Sunbury-on-Thames.
I set up the competition in 2013, in conjunction with Spelthorne Borough Council, as a way of identifying budding entrepreneurs in the Borough. As I have said many times before, we need people - especially young people - to be able to realise their entrepreneurial ambitions. The competition has been made possible by the continued and kind support of our sponsors: British Airways, BP, Heathrow, Johnson & Johnson, Natwest and Shepperton Studios.
Around 80 people attended on the night of the final to watch five finalists pitch their business ideas to a panel of judges in a “Dragons’ Den” style format. The finalists were all excellent and showed a great level of creativity and imagination.
The overall winner was Richard Warren from Sunbury for his business idea, “Heroes 4 Hire,” which will bring the experience of meeting superheroes to life. He gave a brilliant presentation, entering the room dressed as Master Chief from the Halo video game. It really was one of the most memorable things I have seen as a Member of Parliament. Richard designs and builds a whole range of intricate costumes himself and plans to make 100 appearances a year at birthdays and other events. He receives £3500 investment, and mentoring support from Sabine Lohmann, Chairman of the Spelthorne Business Forum, to develop his business.
Second prize winners, Nathan Hankin and Charles Lamb from Ashford, scooped £1,000 for their idea, “Futsal First,” a plan to grow the sport of futsal; a variant of association football, which is played on a smaller field and with a smaller ball. Third prize winner, Roxanne Prophet from Staines, receives £200 for her plan to launch “PropScene.com,” a comprehensive on-line, bookable resource for props, costumes and locations marketed to the film and media industry.
The final was a great community event and a celebration of Spelthorne’s vibrant business life.
It really has been good to see local businesses, the Borough Council and residents working together. I am very proud of the competition, and I wish all the participants the very best as they develop their businesses going forward.