Introducing the 12 Livewire Finalists
We started out with over 900 entrants and are now down to the final 12. Congratulations to all our finalists, we hope you enjoy the ride!
England (Midlands)
Bean2Bed Ltd - Birmingham
Bean2Bed Ltd was started by two graduates, Matt and Irfan, frustrated with the lack of a simple, versatile sleeping solution for guests. They decided to research, design, develop, patent and market their own range of furniture. The idea was an innovative, space-saving, beanbag that transforms into a bed, which can now be found in over 100 stores in the UK and abroad.
Bean2Beds™ have universal appeal and been have purchased for everything from apartments to nurseries, care homes to cinema rooms, and even for a luxury yacht!
Since the launch of Bean2Bed™ the company has been featured on Channel 4 and in The Times newspaper, as well as numerous trade and local publications.
England (East)
Zen Creative - Aspley, Herts
Set up by twin sisters Sarah and Sharon, Zen Creative is a niche communications agency. Based in Hertfordshire they provide a range of services including graphic and web design, corporate and product branding, marketing strategy and e-commerce to small/medium sized businesses. They have a variety of clients from manufacturing and engineering to organic food production and distribution. Zen Creative aim to provide an integrated service to all their clients that guarantee a consistent message is projected through all forms of communication from print to new media.
England (London)
Concert Live - London SW2
James and Adam cater for live music fans that are eager for instant premium audio content. Through the use of digital and mobile technology they create and drive new revenue streams from live music tours, provide live music fans with a unique and lasting memento of their live experience and significantly boost artist revenue. This is achieved by a combination of instant CDs and secure online downloads.
They have recently secured distribution with itunes, HMV and MSN music and are partnered with Microsoft to provide cutting edge back end solutions. They are currently developing proprietary mobile technology, an instant DVD service and will soon announce a world first mobile music service. Digital and mobile distribution is the future of live music merchandising and Concert Live is at the forefront of innovating and driving this exciting new industry.
England (North East)
Crafter's Companion Ltd - Co Durham
Crafter's Companion took the craft market by storm in October 2005 with the launch of its world exclusive Enveloper. The product was launched on the TV Shopping Channel Ideal World by company owner Sara Johnson, and initial stocks sold out within hours. Since then, the company has gone from strength to strength with its innovative array of craft products including other scoring boards and CD ROM's. You can see the products featured regularly on TV, direct on the company's e-commerce website and in over 140 retail outlets throughout the UK and Ireland.
Owner, Sara Johnson, is still studying at university and admits that it's hectic trying to juggle the demands of a full time Management degree and a thriving business. "I entered these awards to show other young people how they too can follow their dreams. If you've got an idea you've just got to go for it, don't let anyone tell you you're too young or inexperienced!"
England (North West)
Sequence Biotechnologies Ltd - Liverpool
Sequence Biotechnologies Ltd is a genetic analysis company specialising in DNA profiling applications. The company was set up by Nichola and Kellie in February 2005. Sequence launched Europe's first DNA clinic based in the city of Liverpool. Due to the demand for the Liverpool clinic, Sequence was able to successfully launch a total of 28 DNA clinics throughout the UK by January 2006.
The company now brings together the expertise of over 140 registered professionals. A further 21 DNA clinics are contracted to launch by the end of June 2006, which will bring Sequence's professional workforce to over 250.
England (South East)
Built From Scratch Design Ltd - Beckenham, Kent
Built From Scratch Design Ltd was set up by James Steward and Natalie Connell in August 2005. The company was launched to offer a range of design services but also to launch "Cyclepods". Cyclepods is a unique and innovative cycle storage system which was originally designed by James at University. Cyclepods was turned from concept to product in just two months and the very first unit was launched at Cycle Show 2005 in October last year. Since then, Cyclepods has sparked huge interest and 10 units have now been sold to clients including Reebok and Pepsi. Cyclepods is different to anything else out there at the moment. It not only looks modern, novel and exciting, but also allows 8 bikes to be secured in a 2 metre diameter space.
England (South West)
K2 Legal Support - Bristol
October 2005 saw brothers Tom and Sam Kendrick set up K2 Legal Support: an outsourcing, copying and scanning bureau dedicated to assisting the legal profession.
K2's success lies in the Kendrick's commitment to providing an outstanding service, to a standard unrivalled by high street copy shops. Their success and increasing prominence in this business has been assured by an understanding of the legal industry's need for a reprographic service that is accurate, punctual and wholly confidential.
Within a month of opening the doors of their office in Bristol, K2 reached operating breakeven. As the company's turnover continues to grow beyond forecasts, the Kendrick brothers are accelerating plans for a second office to be opened in January 2007.
0845 402 7078
England (Yorkshire and The Humber)
I C Innovations - Sheffield
I C Innovations was set up by Tristan Cowell in 2004 as a product design company. Having then it was one person with one idea.
Having identified a domestic problem Tristan saw the makings of a significant business opportunity. The problem: at Christmas time households all over the country do not know how and where to attractively display all their Christmas cards in the home. In the UK alone last year 1.6 billion Christmas cards were received. By designing, developing, manufacturing and launching such a product, which has an worldwide patent pending, Tristan created an opportunity for a mass-market product and what has become a global business after less than 18 months of development and trading.
His product has been used in 10 Downing Street and he has secured deals with Boots and Asda. I C Innovations has now established an office in the US, and manufactures in the Far East.
Northern Ireland
Tully Meadows Ltd - Irvinestown
Tully Meadows Luxury Ice Cream is made from only the finest ingredients, with over 40 delicious and different flavours produced. The products are sold to superior restaurants, cafes and hotels, at shows and exhibitions across Ireland, and in their farm shop where customers are invited to experience the whole process from milking to the finished tasty product.
The new range, 'Tickety-moo' is branded for the UK market and aimed at young professionals. The company's mission is to produce the highest quality ice cream in the UK and beyond!
Wales
Sportstars Wales - Cardiff
Sportstars Wales are a sports coaching service for 4-12 year olds designed to support primary schools in the community. The main aims are to increase sports participation and to encourage children to enjoy the many benefits of sport as part of an active healthy lifestyle. Sportstars Wales work in conjunction with schools during the term time and also provide extended sporting opportunities in the school holidays and at weekends. They also run extra curricular after school and Saturday clubs for extended provision. During the school holidays they run holiday courses which cater for hundreds of children across South Wales. These courses offer children the chance to take part in up to 15 different sports in a fun, safe learning environment.
Scotland
Beautiful Vending - Hamilton
Business partners Neil Mackay and Richard Starrett had the idea of putting hair straightening vending machines into bars and nightclubs. After researching, developing and protecting their invention, the 'Straight Up' product was launched in April 2005. The reaction from venues, their customers and the national media has been tremendous. Following exclusive features on Radio1, ITV's 'This Morning', Heat and Grazia magazines, the company now install in nightclubs, bars, gyms, and shopping centres throughout the UK, and are about to embark on exporting the product overseas. The only way is up - 'Straight Up'!
Scotland
Fivez.net - Stirling
Fivez.net hold regular 5-a-side area and national tournaments where competing teams get the chance to play against teams from other leagues across Scotland. Over 1500 people take part in their community leagues each week and as a consequence Fivez.net is rapidly expanding throughout Scotland. The social benefits that the business brings to local communities are invaluable and they include improving health and helping to reduce anti-social behaviour. However, most importantly their leagues help to bring local communities together.
