Click on an image for more information
buddi
buddi was developed by Sara Murray after her daughter Rowena went temporarily missing in a busy supermarket and she had no way of knowing where she had gone. Sara researched the subject and realised there was nothing on the market that provided a discrete and unobtrusive way of tracking vulnerable members of society and giving friends or relatives peace of mind that their loved ones are safe at all times.
Through new technology and cutting edge engineering, Sara and her team have been able to develop a device which is small enough to be worn voluntarily on a key fob or lanyard, powerful enough to last more than a few hours, and simple and robust enough to be successful in the mass market.
The judges said:
“Sara has truly harnessed technology to develop a new and safe system for parents and carers alike. Her ability to embrace technology and the advances that it brings to business make her a worthy winner of the Female Entrepreneur of the Year”.
www.buddi.co.uk
Advance Performance
Advance Performance is a family-owned specialist running store – catering for anyone who runs whatever their age or ability. Everyone who purchases a pair of running shoes from Advance Performance has them professionally prescribed during a complimentary consultation and gait analysis which lasts around 40-60 minutes. During the gait analysis the customer is filmed whilst running on a treadmill – the film is then reviewed and the right trainers selected. Today they are recognised as the specialists in their field with over 85% of business as a result of a recommendation.
The judges said:
“Many sport injuries are related to not having the right kit or equipment, therefore by building a service that analyses the individual, Samantha has created a more enjoyable and safer experience for everyone who runs.”
www.advanceperformance.co.uk
Trading4u
Trading4u helps individuals and companies who simply don’t have the time or knowledge to sell their unwanted items online through sites like eBay and Amazon. From a designer handbag to a 10 tonne machine, Trading4u can sell anything worth more than £75 and customers range from individuals selling single items to a national pizza company selling over 100 chesterfield sofas.
The company uses tailored software called Auction Sound that allows the team to list all of the items in a logical order – which saves time and resource. Advanced photo software also helps to ensure images truly represent the items on sale.
The judges said:
“Bradley has capitalised on the expansion of broadband users using the internet to trade their own goods and built a successful business. We are currently investing in the rollout of super>fast broadband to give businesses such as Trading4u better interactivity when using the internet so they can continue to evolve the experience they give customers.”
www.trading4u.com
My Family Care
My Family Care helps employees balance work and family life by providing access to carers. The service allows parents to book the care they want from thousands of child minders to school holiday clubs when they want it; at the click of a mouse.
Behind the scenes, My Family Care is supported by a complex communications system, which ensures carers are kept aware of exactly what is going on and when. Trust is a key issue for the business so users receive regular alerts to reassure them before, during and after the care has taken place. Due to the often last minute nature of the service, My Family Care has also recognised the need to support the booking process with a range of communications from email to text message alerts.
The judges said:
“Finding the right care can be challenging for anyone, especially in the current climate with added pressures of work. By providing a business that not only links up the entire care market, but also an option for employers to contribute, My Family Care has delivered a seamless solution for a complicated and sometimes emotional requirement by using effective communications.”
www.myfamilycare.co.uk
Sendmoneyhome
Sendmoneyhome provides consumers with a real-time, independent and impartial comparison of the best options for transferring money abroad. The site reviews services offered by banks, money transfer operators and other currency specialists. Since launching it has become established as the top money transfer comparison site in just two years.
By enabling people to access its services through other web sites and applications, from media sites such as shelteroffshore.com
The judges said:
“Emmanuel and Huw recognised a gap in a complicated market and are helping consumers by using technology to simplify a complex process. By using the internet they have been able to present a variety of options to those wishing to make international money transfers.”
www.sendmoneyhome.org
James White Drinks Ltd
James White Drinks Ltd is a thriving fruit juice presser and bottler with ranges of classic and organic English apple and pear juices and blends of Elderflower, Ginger and Pomegranate.
They also produce Big Tom, a spicy tomato juice for which it was granted a Royal Warrant by HM The Queen in 2002. The company has recently developed a beetroot shot drink following research proving that nitrate from beetroot juice can have a remarkable impact on both blood pressure reduction and increased oxygen usage efficiency. Its natural nitrate rich ‘shot’ is targeted at the sports and fitness market and people looking to lead a healthier lifestyle.
The judges said:
“Despite being an established company, James White Drinks has diversified its business by developing a unique product to target a new audience. The business shows how you can successfully use the internet to reach into new markets.”
www.jameswhite.co.uk
Shiply.com
Shiply.com is the UK’s online transport marketplace. Users of the site list goods and eBay items they need to move and then receive bids (like a reverse-auction) from a network of over 4,800 haulers who are already making similar trips.
By making use of haulage firm’s spare capacity, Shiply.com is helping consumers save up to 75% on the cost of a delivery. By keeping lorries full, Shiply.com is also helping to reduce road congestion and the environmental impact of deliveries, plus increase the profitability of haulers themselves, especially important in these tough economic times with high fuel prices.
The judges said:
“An excellent example of an entrepreneur who has recognised a gap in the market and used technology to build a successful business that is also environmentally friendly. Robert has caught on to the rise in the number of consumers using the internet to trade in online market places.”
www.shiply.com
Loop Knitting
Loop has been a key player in the resurgence of knitting in the UK, opening the first shop in London that truly reflected what’s going on in knitting today. The company sources knitting yarns from all over the world as well as a vast range of beautiful haberdashery, patterns and knitting books.
Susan has also brought the traditional craft up-to-date by using the internet to research and place orders with global suppliers enabling Loop to stock many yarns that were previously unavailable, to the delight of knitters in the UK. Loop also holds free SOS clinics as well as a large range of knitting and crochet workshops for all – from beginners to experimental knitters.
The judges said:
“We initially saw this as just a traditional business – but then realised how Susan was communicating with a new customer base through social networking sites such as Twitter. Susan has developed an interactive site – bringing knitting to a whole new audience showing a real passion for her business.”
www.loopknitting.com
Bompas & Parr, Jelly Mongers
Bompas & Parr is the only fine jelly company in the world. Their business hero is actually from the Victorian age – Agnes B Marshall. Agnes suggested the use of liquid nitrogen to make ice cream 150 years before Heston Blumenthal got stuck into it. Bompass and Parr have now adapted this method to manufacture jellies for photoshoots, stunts and events. They can create jellies of any shape, size or colour – whatever the customer needs!
To create these bespoke jellies Bompass & Parr use the same programmes that architects use to design skyscrapers to design the moulds and the same machines used to make fighter jet engines and body parts to make the extra-ordinary cutters. They also work with some of the UK’s leading scientists to make their jellies glow and create interesting special effects.
The judges said:
“A unique business and one that stood out immediately to all of the judges. Sam and Harry’s creativity and imagination really shines through. By taking technology systems used by architects to create jellies they have opened up a whole new market that you wouldn’t imagine. It’s amazing to see what they have achieved.”
www.jellymongers.co.uk
Huddle
Alastair and Andy believed that the tools people use at work to collaborate and share information were too expensive, complicated and slow – so set up Huddle to resolve this.
Huddle helps people work better together by hosting meeting functionality and documents in one place. This not only helps people complete projects faster but by eliminating the need to travel to meetings it is also better for the environment. Huddle’s agile development process ensures that the company is able to quickly update the software people use as demands in the workplace change. The company’s commitment to the environment also extends to the way they sell to customers, with the majority of customers using Huddle’s online self-service tools.
The judges said:
“Alastair and Andy have recognised how businesses are harnessing the internet to improve how we work today while being more sustainable. The availability of faster broadband speeds across the UK supporting the transfer of larger files will benefit users of these types of online applications in the future.”
www.huddle.net
Fruit for the Office
Daniel’s family had run a series of traditional fruit and veg stalls in London and when the last stall closed due to local competition, Daniel knew he had to do something to make sure the business didn’t fail. He took the business online and created the first company to offer a specialised fruit and veg delivery service. The model has since been copied across the globe.
When the business was a one-man fruit stall in Piccadilly Circus, the only piece of technology Daniel used was a set of electrical scales. Since then the company has come a very long way in a short space of time building an online fruit stall that delivers to thousands of people across the UK with a state-of-the-art ordering facility which is largely automated. By making calls over the internet using VoIP technology, Fruit for the Office also keeps the costs of running its operations low.
The judges said:
“Daniel is a brave young entrepreneur that has turned competition into an opportunity and embraced the rise of online shopping to create a new venture that preserves the heritage of his family business. We were delighted to award Daniel the Young Entrepreneur Award for this passion and dedication.”
www.fruitfortheoffice.co.uk
Chemist Direct
Chemist Direct filled a niche in the market by opening an online store that offers thousands of health and beauty products at hugely discounted prices. Shoppers can save up to 90% on items ranging from painkillers and allergy tablets, to hairdryers and razors and can chat to trained pharmacists via free instant messaging to ensure they’re getting the right advice.
By operating online, Chemist Direct can quickly source and deliver new products, mirroring the latest consumer tastes to keep the company at the top of its market. All customer enquiries are logged electronically, enabling its customer service team to track back and check the progress of each individual order in a matter of seconds. With over 500 orders a day coming in, this technology is crucial in ensuring smooth operations and happy customers.
The judges said:
“People are looking to save money and Mitesh has managed to successfully build a business that can do this despite being up against some tough competition. Making it easier for people to access health and beauty products online and get advice also brings enormous benefits. We support thousands of online businesses and I hope Chemist Direct will inspire others to look at the opportunities that online retailing can support.”
www.ChemistDirect.co.uk
Cellpack Solutions
Cellpack Solutions develop batteries for the industrial sector or anyone who needs batteries and can’t find what they need. For example they have created batteries for monitor collars worn by elephants in Africa. The batteries are the size of three mobile phones – but last for four years.
The biggest battery pack they have made was the size of a dustbin and was used by a company on the hunt for oil in the sea. The company will survey the sea area and leave a locater device for 6-10 years, so this battery is designed to keep the locater going.
Founder Eddie Czestochowski has used technology to streamline operations and gone online to reach out to new customers. The company promotes products through a portfolio of websites to bring in opportunities from all over the globe. Eddie has also developed a database to store all his knowledge on battery production, so it can be quickly transferred to new staff.
The judges said:
“Eddie has used technology in every aspect of this business which has helped him compete against some major players and develop a thriving business. By creating an effective presence on the web, the company can attract a variety of customers.”
www.cellpacksolutions.com
hungryhouse.co.uk
If you ever want to order a takeway online from your favourite local restaurant then hungryhouse.co.uk could satisfy your need. At hungryhouse.co.uk, orders are automatically sent to and instantly confirmed by a range of restaurants electronically. This allows restaurants with no or limited online presence to receive internet orders from their customers with no set-up or website maintenance costs. Customers receive almost instantaneous confirmation of their orders via an advanced communication system that links hungryhouse.co.uk to staff at each restaurant.
The judges said:
“By harnessing people’s growing appetite to search for food online, and linking this to local restaurants’ desire to serve more people, hungryhouse.co.uk
www.hungryhouse.co.uk
Island Wall Entertainment
Island Wall Entertainment (IWE) conceptualise, develop and produce mobile applications and are approved developers and vendors for Apple, Android, Nokia, Samsung and Blackberry.
Their applications include the Tent Finder which was licensed to festivals to help revellers find their tent with a handy map. Within three months of launching the company had two No.1 selling iPhone apps and were selected by Nokia to be one of four global companies to have their creative ideas developed (and paid for) for the last Nokia World event.
The judges said:
“In a very short space of time Island Wall Entertainment have developed a successful business in a highly competitive space and built key relationships with some big companies. Mobile application development has become a huge area and Paul and Henry have done exceptionally well to become major players in this field.”
www.islandwall.com
CitySocialising
The CitySocialising service is dedicated to helping professional newcomers and re-locators integrate quickly and easily into city life. Focusing on their social wellbeing, CitySocialising was created to connect them with a new network of local friends to enjoy, explore and get to know their new city.
CitySocialising officially launched the London networking site in January 2007 and then soon launched nationwide later the same year with a fast-growing network of professionals who are all keen to meet and socialise with new friends in their area.
The judges said:
“Sanchita from CitySocialising set up her company following personal experience and demonstrates an excellent grasp of online networking which has become important to businesses operating in a digital economy. Social business networking is on the rise and we’re seeing companies embracing it and attracting more customers on and off the web.”
www.citysocialising.com
iknow-uk
The last 10 years has seen the way that people search for and book their holiday accommodation change completely. Rather than brochures and leaflets the internet is now the first port of call for most people looking to book a holiday within the UK. This means that small UK accommodation providers have been forced to look online to promote themselves.
iknow-uk was set up to support these small business owners. The concept was to set up large accommodation directory websites to gain huge search audiences and sell individual entries at a low cost with great results. When developing the company founder Marcus was convinced that websites built solely on search engine optimisation (SEO) would work. After learning about the technology he became one of the first to develop and sell ‘high-visibility websites’ to customers that were at the time unfamiliar with how search engines operate.
The judges said:
“Marcus had the foresight to see how the internet was evolving to build a successful business and has shown that investing in search engine optimisation works. In the online world small businesses can successfully rub shoulders with larger companies to win customers and it’s great to see that iknow-uk is helping make this happen.”
www.iknow-uk.com
Gift Republic
Gift Republic offer a diverse range of gift ideas that capture the imagination and are particularly relevant in a changing world. Many of the gifts support charity work and for every one sold, Gift Republic makes a direct contribution to the affiliated charity.
The company supports animal conservation worldwide with gifts such as Adopt a Monkey and Adopt an Elephant and they also offer creative gift ideas such as Name a Star and Name a Rose which help many mark that special occasion. Gift Republic has streamlined the business through the use of technology. When orders are received, they are automatically loaded and united to create one picking list, from which stock can be pulled out just once. In this way numerous orders can be fulfilled at the same time saving staff time.
The judges said:
“Sam has developed a company supporting a number of charities while also helping people think more imaginatively about giving gifts. His business is a great example of how e-commerce can help create sustainable businesses that can also create a positive impact on communities.”
www.giftrepublic.com
Inspiring Interns
Inspiring Interns provides an innovative and inexpensive way for companies to hire talented graduate staff, by offering an easy process for graduates to apply for internships.
All candidates are intelligence tested and videoed so clients can save time by seeing how they present themselves visually. Inspiring Interns use social media platforms to find and recruit suitable candidates.
The judges said:
“The last year has been hard for graduates to find work, but also for companies that have been flooded with CVs of potential candidates. Inspiring Interns allows companies to get a better first impression of potential candidates while helping interns stand out. A simple idea that’s highly effective!”
www.inspiringinterns.com
Banner Bags
Bannerbags was originally formed to recycle the banners that promoted Liverpool as the European Capital of Culture. Following its initial success the company has continued to recycle banners from numerous events and advertising campaigns. To date, it has diverted more than 12 tonnes of hazardous material from landfill and converted it into reusable products such as bags.
There is very little waste and apart from a few fittings and thread, hardly any new material is used in the company’s production processes. All products are sold through an online store, where customers can browse a wide range of products.
The judges said:
“Paul has developed a business that not only helps the environment but is built on an original idea. Tackling climate change is a major concern for us all and it’s inspiring to see entrepreneurs are tackling this challenge head on. We can all take small steps to make a difference and we’re increasingly seeing companies reducing their travel and their environmental impact by using technologies such as telephone conferencing.”
www.bannerbags.co.uk