Winner announced at Grand Idea business awards 2014

Last night, the Royal Agricultural University celebrated the culmination of it seventh annual Grand Idea business competition with the presentation of the 2014 awards

Last night, the Royal Agricultural University celebrated the culmination of it seventh annual Grand Idea business competition with the presentation of the 2014 awards.

Eight talented entrepreneurial individuals and groups pitched their business ideas to a Dragons Den style panel made up of national business leaders. Chaired by Philip Tellwright, Managing Director of South West Angels and Investors Network, guest judges included Denys Shortt OBE, Chris Musgrave, Catherine Bowerman, Ben Bowerman and RAU lecturer Stephen Thomas.

Philip Tellwright announced the 2014 winner as Elie Sear, with her business ‘Cuprum’. Elie developed an innovative new equine product which aims to reduce box rest for minor issues and eliminate vets bills, through its antimicrobial properties. Elie received three months of business mentoring from businessman Nigel Chute of Chute Design, who has mentored the past three winners.

She was presented with a cheque for £1,000 towards her business idea, and will also receive a number of invaluable prizes from the sponsors, Burges Salmon, HSBC, MarkeTest, Reed Learning, and Pillow May in the form of free business support, help and advice.

Elie Sear said: “I'm just really humbled to have won, and want to extend my thanks to my mentor, Nigel Chute of Chute Design, as well as to the judges and organisers. The Grand Idea is a fantastic opportunity, and it really is a case of nothing to lose, everything to gain. I'm excited to see where I can take my business in the future.”

Runners up were Liam Derry, for his plan to establish a UK jerky company ‘Boss Jerky’ with locally sourced suppliers, and Clare Freeman, for her ‘My Plus One’ website giving travellers the opportunity to meet like-minded locals and find the most stylish, affordable accommodation.

RAU Principal, Professor Chris Gaskell CBE, said: “The Grand Idea business competition is a great way to celebrate the outstanding achievements of some of our most enterprising students. Over the years the competition has seen some brilliant entrepreneurs compete, and this year’s entrants were no exception. There were some fantastic business ideas being pitched to the panel – which in itself is no small feat! On behalf of myself and the University I’d like to say a huge congratulations to Elie Sear, winner of the 2014 Grand Idea awards, but also to all of the entrants who pitched so well and impressed the judges. We wish you every success in the all of your future endeavours.”

The guest speaker at the award ceremony was businessman and entrepreneur Levi Roots, who gave an inspirational talk on his journey to become the man behind the Reggae Reggae Sauce sensation. With over 50 products to his name, Levi was the perfect speaker to inspire and encourage the students’ entrepreneurial spirit. He imparted words of wisdom to the Grand Idea entrants, praising them for their boundless enthusiasm and encouraging them never to give up on their dream.

The Grand Idea annual business plan competition is organised by the University to find an enterprising individual from within the student body. Over the past seven years, 77 ideas have been submitted, judges have read 56 different business plans, and external business mentors have given students more than 270 hours of support. Five of the six winners previous went on to set-up their businesses, one has subsequently sold their business, one has established a full-time organisation with five employees, and three currently work on their business as a side-line to their employment.

The finalist’s ideas showcased the diverse entrepreneurial skills at the University; ranging from beef jerky, quiches and pasties, and coffee shops, to websites for travellers and horse traders, an equine product, personalised gifts and a tea company.

The 2014 awards dinner was attended by nearly 70 delegates, including the mentors, judges, past winners, this year’s entrants, and representatives from the businesses that support the competition.

For more information please contact shelly.hampshire@rau.ac.uk on 01285 652531.