05.05.2006
Seven renowned city entrepreneurs will judge the finals of this year's Innovation Awards taking place on Wednesday 11 May at the University of Brighton.
Anthony Bullock of antwords returned to the judging panel for the second year running, he was joined by Ray Richards, MD of Spanner works, (one of the UK's leading search marketing agencies and a Brighton MBA graduate) and Andy Heath of PH-Media. Andrew Toal, Head of Business Services at the university, Marc Koska, OBE, from Star Syringes and Jacky Misson of nido marketing also gave their expert opinion.
This year there is £8,000 to be won, £2,000 for the winning student (including alumni) and £2,000 for the winning staff member, in each of the two award categories - the Innovation Award and Entrepreneurship Awards.
"Enterprise and entrepreneurship is vital to the future prosperity of the UK economy. It's innovation that's going to set us apart from our competitors," said Jane L. North, Entrepreneurship Manager. "This is the reason why we at the university are able to attract such prominent business people to judge these awards. What makes the innovation awards so popular and exciting is seeing potential business owners and product developers being encouraged and rewarded."
Last year's winner of the Entrepreneurship Award for students was presented to John Turner, for 'Cross-Bone' - a novel method for controlling road alignment during construction, which saves time and money.
He said: "The recognition I have gained from winning the award has helped me push forward my ideas and allow me to be where I am today. I've set up my own company, Thirty Design Ltd and I will be taking my first product to market in June."
Winner of the student innovation award went to Malcolm Jordan. He said: "I am setting up a business and workshop from home to initially develop my own products from the material. The university is pointing me in the right direction to do this and Business Development Manager at the university, Peter Rock, will be a business mentor." Through the university Mark has also received funding from GRIST (GREAT Research Ideas through Science and Technology) to develop his product.
He continued: "Business services funded a patent search and have helped in general areas of market research and business planning. The team has really helped me to save time, which means I've been able to focus on developing my product."
Malcolm's innovation 'Curvy Composites' uses a process that transforms flexible plywood and mimics traditional solid carved wood that was intriguing on paper but when his product was seen by the judges the effect was immediate. Last year Anthony Bullock commented: "Once you see and feel this creation – you'll want it. It's truly innovative with big potential."
Innovation Awards judges from left to right: Helen Medland observer from Brighton Fringe, Ray Richards at Spannerworks, Andy Heath at PH-Media, Andrew Toal the Head of Business Services, Anthony Bullock at antwords, Marc Koska at Star Syringes, Jacky Misson at nido marketing.
Contact: Marketing and Communications, University of Brighton, 01273 643022
