Mhairi Threlfall (Cotta Vienne)

Entrepreneur: Mhairi Threlfall

Business: Cotta Viene

Location: Bristol

Business Description

Mhairi was one of 19 young entrepreneurs who pitched their business idea to the Shell LiveWIRE judging panel on Day 1 of the Nacue NSEC 2011 event, before being shortlisted to pitch again to the entire audience of delegates the next day.

Originally from Musselburgh in Scotland and now working as 'Entrepreneur in Residence' at the University of Bristol, Mhairi has developed a unique process for replacing shampoo surfactants with clay particles to offer a more environmentally friendly and effective way to clean your hair.

Of the 4 people shortlisted for the £1,000 cash prize, Mhairi was chosen as the outright winner from audience reaction after delivering a brilliant pitch to a packed conference theatre of fellow student entrepreneurs from across the UK. (To watch Mhairi's winning pitch, please click on the video player in the top right hand corner of this page).

Mhairi Threlfall shortly after winning the £1,000 prize for her business

Of the award, Mhairi said "I still can't believe it - the pitch competition has really given me a lift and inspired me to push forward with my idea!"

She now plans to use the money to apply for patent searches for her product 'Cotta Vienne' and possibly attend an MIT conference later this year.

Elevator Pitch Video

You can watch Mhairis winning live elevator pitch video again in the video player in the top right hand corner of this page.