Article by Kwasi for the Herald and News 4/12/2014 edition
As readers will know, the Spelthorne Business Plan Competition opened for entries in September.
In the first round, entrants were asked to think of a business idea and complete a short business concept plan. There were lots of great ideas submitted. These were whittled down and semi-finalists were selected to submit fully developed business plans.
The strongest entrants have now been chosen to compete in the final at BP Sunbury next Thursday. The finalists include:
- Richard Warren from Sunbury-on-Thames for his business idea, “Heroes 4 Hire,” which seeks to bring the experience of meeting superheroes to life.
- Roxanne Prophet from Staines-upon-Thames 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.
- Dean Pidoux from Ashford for his business idea, “Leathergroom,” which offers a range of natural cleaning products for household and industrial use.
- Charles Lamb from Ashford for his 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.
- Dennis Jackson from Shepperton for his plan, “Travel Inspirations,” which aims to sell bespoke, luxury tailor-made holiday experiences to individuals and groups
The final will follow a “Dragons’ Den” style format, whereby the finalists will in turn give a five-minute business pitch and answer questions from judges on their idea and financial plans.
First placed in the competition will receive £3500 deposited into a business bank account and mentoring and support, provided by Sabine Lohmann, who is a market research and business consultant, and award winning entrepreneur, to help them bring their business ideas to life. The runners-up will receive £1000, and third placed will receive £200.
The final promises to be a fantastic community event and a great celebration of one of the Borough’s great strengths: its business life.