Glenn Buchan & Kilian Palop (Adspad)

We caught up with former Shell LiveWIRE Grand Ideas Award winners Glenn Buchan & Kilian Palop (Adspad) in February 2010 to hear how winning the award in 2009 provided excellent PR coverage and the funding they needed to kickstart their business providing local advertising to students in Aberdeen.

For more info about Adspad visit:
www.adspad.co.uk

Daniel Sutherland (Milkistar)

We caught up with former Shell LiveWIRE Grand Ideas Award winner Daniel Sutherland to hear how winning the award gave him the finance and confidence to help develop his revolutionary new 'Milkistar' baby feeding bottle, led to further funding for his business and provided a major PR boost along the way.

For more info about Daniel and the Milkistar visit:
www.shell-livewire.org/network/ds
www.milkistar.com

Katie Weightman (Miksani)

In July 2009, Shell LiveWIRE caught up with Katie Weightman from Miksani, an ethical clothing line. It's been just a few months since Katie won one of Shell LiveWIRE Grand Ideas awards back in January, but already things are looking bright for Miksani.

In this video, Katie talks about what's been particularly helpful to her as an entrepreneur and where she derives inspiration.

For more information visit:

http://www.shell-livewire.org/network/kweightman/ 
www.miksani.com

Lucy Cohen (Mazuma)

In July 2009, Shell LiveWIRE caught up with Lucy Cohen from Mazuma, an accountancy service for small businesses. It's been two years since Lucy won the Shell LiveWIRE Entrepreneur of the Year award (Wales), and things couldn't be better. 

In this video, Lucy talks about how her company has grown, the issue of taking on staff, the importance of networking, and offers entrepreneurs her top tips for starting a new business!

For more information visit:

www.shell-livewire.org/network/Lucy%20Cohen/
www.mazumamoney.co.uk

Tom Tribe (Design Tribe)

In July, the Shell LiveWIRE team met Tom Tribe, creator of Design Tribe, a creative agency that produces bespoke solutions using a mix of web and print media.

In this video, Tom talks about the challenges of starting up a creative business and offers young entrepreneurs his top tips for starting a successful business.

For more information visit:

www.shell-livewire.org/network/thomastribe/
www.designtribe.co.uk

Tom Stanley & Nathan White (Jamm Factory Group)

The Jamm Factory Group is a Liverpool-based events company that was created by Tom Stanley (Managing Director) and Nathan White (Operations Manager). The Jamm Factory group specialises in everything from live shows and outdoor events to graphic design and advertising.

For more information visit:
www.thejammfactory.co.uk

Wayne Hemingway - advice for creative businesses

In this fascinating exclusive interview for Shell LiveWIRE, Wayne Hemingway (www.hemingwaydesign.co.uk) talks about how he took Red or Dead from humble beginnings on a market stall in 1980 and turned it into an award-winning international fashion label.

In this video, Wayne also explains;

> Why a recession can be a great time to start a creative business
> What ingredients you need to turn great ideas into viable businesses
> The personal qualities you need to be a success
> His innovative new 'Starter for Ten' project - free workspace for creative businesses in Gateshead town centre (www.gateshead.gov.uk/starter4ten)
> KioskKiosk - his new popup shops backed by Boris Johnson and the Greater London Authority (GLA)
> His top tips for scaling up and taking your business to the next level

Whites Cleaning Services

Stewart’s business, “Whites Cleaning Services” which is based in Prestatyn, is a domestic and commercial cleaning company offering a wide range of services. 

Established in June 2003, Whites has expanded rapidly and now offers services to offices, clubs and pubs, leisure facilities and caravan parks as well as domestic households.  Carpet and upholstery cleaning, floor scrubbing and polishing, patio and driveway cleaning and fire, flood and builders cleans are just a few of the services on offer.

Stewart, who also plays semi-professional football for Rhyl Football Club, had always wanted to be his own boss and began by setting up a window cleaning business. He then spotted a gap in the market for a complete cleaning service. Today, Whites offers such a comprehensive service it wins many contracts from bigger cleaning companies.  Customers vary from small local firms to large national organisations, such as the holiday company Pontins Ltd.

Whites Cleaning Services now employs six staff, regularly sub-contracts work to 14 other cleaners and is expecting to open a second office in the near future.  Whites will also be introducing graffiti removal to their services and in the long term, Stewart is aiming to make Whites Cleaning Services a nationally recognised company, moving further into Wales and eventually into the North West of England. 

“Perfection – it’s the only standard worth working to!”  

Simple Solutions

Samina’s business, “Simple Solutions”, provides IT solutions and bespoke website development to schools, colleges and SME’s.  Samina has designed two products that aim to simplify the management of information within an organisation. The first, “IT Manager” is specifically tailored for schools, colleges and universities and can increase the availability of computers by automating tasks such as job scheduling and call management.  The second product, “Business Manager” was actually designed to help facilitate the smooth running of Samina’s own business and it proved so successful that she decided to launch it as a product.  Samina estimates that her products can save up to £12k for a business by cutting down the time it takes to manage information systems.  Samina has attracted clients from Bolton to Folkestone and is currently working with the East Midlands School of Beauty. 

On graduating with a 1st class (Hons) degree in Business Information Systems, Samina went on to work in various IT positions. After taking voluntary redundancy, she began working as an IT manager in a school, where she formulated the idea for “IT Manager”.  Following maternity leave for the birth of her son, Samina found it difficult to find part time work so she made the decision to realise her ambition of starting her own business using the products which she had designed. 

By 2006, Samina plans to have her own premises and to be employing permanent sales staff.

“Take it one day at a time and don’t give up if it gets a little difficult.”

For more information visit: www.simplesolutions4u.co.uk  

Pomelo

Victoria’s business, “Pomelo”, designs high fashion funky flip flops that combine style and quality with comfort and colour.  Using silks, cotton, jute, leather and bamboo, embellished with beads, sequins and flowers, Victoria has over 51 styles available for 2004.

In the 10 months since it started trading, Pomelo has attracted some prestigious clients including Harrods, Graham and Green and over 50 independent boutiques throughout the UK.  Victoria is also exporting to Mexico and has interest from stores in New York.  Sales are also generated through her online shop at www.funkyflipflops.com

Victoria, who worked as a freelance make up artist for seven years, decided to start her business when she was about to go off on holiday to Thailand in December and couldn’t buy any flip flops in the UK to take with her.  It was her boyfriend who suggested she should make her own and sell them on the Internet.  After four months of research, Victoria established there was a gap in the market for high quality, British design flip flops, and her business idea became a reality.

Within five years, Victoria expects Pomelo to be a leading brand name for flip flops, and she intends to diversify into producing matching hand bags, day slippers and evening sandals.

“Research your market really well – if there’s a gap or an opportunity there, then go for it! Listen to advice, take it in, but always use your instinct.”

For more information visit: www.funkyflipflops.com  

Oneighty Creative Limited

Their business, “Oneighty Creative Limited”, provides creative business image and marketing solutions to small businesses in the local area.  Oneighty Creative provides everything from logo and stationery design to brand creation and development.  Working with clients including Blackburn College and The Curry Kitchen, this enterprising husband and wife team pride themselves on being flexible and accommodating of any business’ needs.

After graduating in Graphic Design, the duo then went on to work for design agencies where they honed their creative and professional skills and, when Andy was made redundant they took the opportunity to realise their dreams of having their own creative design agency.  In the near future they are hoping to employ one full time member of staff and also take on a second part time.  Ultimately, they want Oneighty Creative Limited to be recognised as ‘The’ Creative Design Agency for the North West.

“Innovation is the key to your success!” 

For more information visit: www.oneightycreative.com 

Lightweight Medical Limited

Designing new medical equipment which helps to improve care and saves lives is the ethos behind this business. The enterprising partners work with medical practitioners to identify improvements in the performance of existing medical equipment or to identify opportunities for entirely new medical products. The entrepreneurs’ aim is to build a medical design company that earns royalties on products manufactured under licence.

The two Neils hit on their business idea while studying Product Design Engineering. On interviewing clinicians, they discovered the need for improvements in neo-natal care equipment. Since starting their business in May 2003, they have designed three main products to improve neo-natal care and infection control.

Lightweight is currently working on neo-natal intensive care equipment. This world leading new product, backed by the NHS, will significantly improve the care and survival chances of premature and sick new-born babies. The equipment will be made under licence by a medical equipment supplier, and should be available in hospitals by 2006.

Lightweight will continue to work with hospitals to identify opportunities to develop better products or entirely new medical equipment to improve health care. Within five years they expect to be employing seven more designers and to be the leading designers of critical care medical equipment in the UK.

For more information visit: www.lightweight-medical.co.uk  

The Industry Exchange

Phil’s business, “The Industry Exchange”, runs unique ‘exchange’ events for the global energy industry.  The business brings delegates, speakers and stakeholders together in a new way which removes the barriers inherent in the way traditional conferences are run.

Delegates set the agenda for the speakers, who are not allowed to use traditional computer and audio visual presentation aids.  The result is a thorough, honest and open exchange of views.  Delegates find out the information they really want; speakers are liberated to convey their messages and impart their expertise more clearly, and stakeholders can report real progress and results.  “The Industry Exchange” approach has already enabled companies to win new contracts and sell into new markets, including Sontrach and UK Trade and Investment.  It is also organising the world’s first global forum on education and training for the oil, gas and energy industry called “Getenergy”, to be held in Houston next March.

Phil, a Politics graduate, came up with his innovative idea while working as a conference organiser.  He could see that the traditional conference format often failed to meet expectations and decided a new approach to communicate ideas, share experiences, impart expertise and improve networking was needed, so he decided to start his own business to deliver a new approach that offers real results.

Within the next two months Phil expects to create 10 new jobs, and within five years he expects to have created 150 jobs globally.  He also plans to introduce his business model to the construction and shipping industries, and ultimately expects to have an “Industry Exchange” franchise in every country in the world.

“Working with the Shell LiveWIRE team has really helped The Industry Exchange get our unique message across – call them today.”

For further information visit: www.theindustryexchange.com   

Heaven Sent Baby Care

Lia’s business, “Heaven Sent Babycare” is an Internet retailer of baby care products for expectant mums and those with babies from 0-4 years old.  Providing a one-stop shop for mums, www.heavensentbabycare.com stocks over 500 leading brand products, ranging from rattles and high chairs to car seats and cots.  In addition to the website, customers can order by telephone, and the company also achieves sales through interactive television and on well known Internet shopping centres, including CatalogueCity.co.uk and shop.com.  For a small fee, orders can be delivered in the UK within 24 hours, subject to availability.  Most other UK orders are delivered free to the door within 14 days. 

Lia, who has an MA in International Business Administration, decided to start her business because she saw the problems many of her young mum friends were experiencing buying baby products.  After researching the market, Lia realised that providing an online shopping facility was the way to go, and after 10 months of trading the company has already received 150,000 visitors, with sales to customers throughout the UK, Europe, Japan, Australia and the USA. 

Heaven Sent Babycare is positioned on the first page of all the main Internet search engines, and by using state of the art IT and graphics, Lia has ensured that shopping with Heaven Sent is a pleasurable experience.  Within 12 months, Lia plans to have moved to new premises, incorporating a show room and to have over 2,500 lines on sale.  This expansion is expected to create three new jobs, and within five years Lia expects to be the Amazon.com of the UK, with several international offices.

“Dare to dream. Realise the magic of thinking big, and never take no for an answer.”

For more information visit: www.heavensentbabycare.co.uk  

GAP Sports Abroad

“Gap Sports” provides specialist sports and non sports opportunities overseas for gap year students, university graduates and careers breakers through community projects, coaching courses and academy based training.

The range of programmes available include life skills development, the achievement of recognised qualifications and the opportunity to undertake community development projects in Ghana, South Africa and Costa Rica as well as the chance to receive professional sports training in Canada and South Africa.  Activities include anything from sports coaching with township children in Ghana to gaining a Ski Instructor license in Canada to receiving top level tuition in international Rugby, Golf, Cricket and Scuba academies.

James and Dave started their business because of their shared passion for travel, adventure and sports, and a desire to create a successful commercial enterprise that also supports and sustains community development overseas. 

Already employing one full time member of staff and three part time business consultants, as well as 50 staff abroad, the brothers want to establish themselves as the leading “sports opportunities specialists” who offer unique opportunities for people wanting to take constructive time out.  Ultimately James and Dave want to start more self-sustainable development programmes overseas to be run by local people and would like to prove that commercial success and community development can go hand in hand.

“Success doesn’t come from having all the right answers – it comes from being able to ask the right questions.” 

For more information visit: www.gapsports.com 

Dowden Marketing Magic

Matthew’s business “Dowden Marketing Magic” uses his own brand of close-up magic to provide companies with an entertaining marketing and sales presentation to potential clients. By performing close-up card tricks, illusions and mind-reading stunts at trade shows, Matthew attracts an audience and significantly improves the chance of potential clients visiting the company’s sales teams. Company sales messages are worked into the act, and give-away tricks ensure that spectators spread awareness of the company as they repeat the tricks to impress others.

Matthew’s fascination with magic started while he was studying Law at the University of Northumbria. After rejecting a career in Law, he decided to become a professional magician. During his research, Matthew realised there was a gap in the market for starting a business linking magic with marketing and sales promotions. Since the launch of the business 17 months ago, Matthew has attracted some prestigious companies including Microsoft Press, npower and Daewoo as clients. He is also developing packages for local authorities to enable schools to deliver drug awareness, traffic safety and healthy eating messages to children.  North East Shell LiveWIRE Young Entrepreneur of the Year is not the only prestigious title this young entrepreneur has lifted; he was recently named Newcastle Magic Circle Close-Up Magician of the Year.

“The great thing about having your own business is that there are no limits to what you can do!”

For more information visit: www.dowdenmm.com  

All Creatures

“All Creatures” is a modern, small animal veterinary practice in North West Ireland.  Set up by Gillian Montague in 2003, the practice incorporating boarding kennels and a cattery, is modern, bright and well equipped with the latest technological equipment.  In addition to the treatment of sick and injured animals, All Creatures stocks a broad range of pet foods and accessories and provides a full consultation service on general animal health care issues.  Gillian’s plans for the future include, expansion of the boarding kennels business and establishment of additional branch surgeries throughout Northern Ireland.

“The first year in business is a real rollercoaster ride, with some of the most stressful moments in a lifetime but also some of the most exhilarating.” 

For more information visit: www.allcreaturesvets.co.uk 

AC2.com

Joel Kellhofer likes to think big – very big.  Asked what his greatest ambition is and there is no hesitation.  “Make an epic drama for the cinema and grow AC2.Com into the size of a company like Virgin.”

It’s quite a challenge but the 29 year-old likes to set his sights high and has a real determination to grow his company into a real business success.  AC2.Com Productions provides a range of high quality video production, multi-media and internet products designed to meet the individual needs of clients. 

With a degree in Multimedia Computer Technology and a family background in media, Joel started his career working for other companies but wasn’t satisfied that the customers were getting the best value for their money.  “I knew I could offer a better quality service at a better price so I formed AC2.Com Productions in order to make sure my customers were totally satisfied.”

And Joel’s advice to any budding entrepreneurs out there; “If you’re not successful first time then use that as a learning experience and try again.  If you want to be in business there is no-one to stop you but yourself.”

“Have the courage to pursue your dreams!”

For more information visit: www.ac2.com  

Scene Craft UK

Their business ‘Scene Craft UK’ designs sets, props and models, as well as garden ornaments. Initially started as a method of funding the set design, the garden ornaments have now taken off in a huge way, retailing at garden shows nation-wide, including the forthcoming BBC Gardeners’ World Live show. Rosie and Matthew design and build sets, props, models and costumes for television, film and theatre as well as for PR companies and production houses. They are currently working on a new ride for Blackpool Pleasure Beach and have previously created models including three 7ft skeleton pirates and a rubber salmon!

Both graduates from the Cleveland College of Art and Design with BA (Hons) in Entertainment Design and Crafts, Rosie and Matthew initially worked as freelance model and costume makers but became dissatisfied with the lack of employment stability. After spotting a gap in the market for a northern based set design company, they decided to start Scene Craft UK Ltd in January 2003.

In the near future, Rosie and Matthew will be building a crazy golf course in Dubai. With the prize money from Shell LiveWIRE, the pair are planning to invest in solar panels so they can be totally self-sufficient at garden shows.

www.scenecraft.com

Allen Holland & William Parsons, Wares Ltd

Wares Ltd is a product design and development company based in Sheffield, creating and developing new products within the commercial market.

The focus of the business is the development of innovative consumer products from project briefs developed in-house, generating revenue through the commercialisation of intellectual property. The goal of these ‘self-led’ products is to create a continuous cycle of product development and release, which will be taken to market through licensing to leading manufacturers and a variety of other means.

The directors are both serial inventors and entrepreneurs and their diverse range of skills and services are used to attract both manufacturers and service-seeking clients through the experience and capability to develop products from idea, right through to design-readiness-for-manufacture.

The directors wanted to enter the Shell LiveWIRE Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards to publicise Wares and benefit from the media coverage and PR that is generated by this prestigious competition. This award is ideally placed at the time of Wares’ latest product launch and the directors hope to gain contacts and publicity in order to give our product a flying start into the market.

Sheffield based product design and development company Wares Limited was founded by Allen Holland and William Parsons. Allen and Will are self confessed serial inventors who pride themselves on the development of unique and clever products, including sports equipment, homewares, camping and outdoor equipment, lighting, furniture and electronics. Developing new products from idea right through to design readiness for manufacture is arguably the innovative approach that made Wares a big hit with some of the UK's market leading manufactures which include Ideal Standard, Sensopad UK, and Broseley Fires

James Halliburton, Seatriever International Ltd

Seatriever International Ltd has to date completed the development and launch of two very popular products - Waterbuoy (launched 2007) and Illoom Balloon (launched 2008).

As featured on BBC2's Dragon's Den, Waterbuoy is a small unit, about the size of a small disposable cigarette lighter that automatically activates when submerged in water. Waterbuoy is a unique product. It will lift up to 1kg back to the surface, saving items such as keys, GPS units and fishing tackle. Waterbouy will stay afloat for at least 24 hours it has an emergency flashing light that makes it visible from over 250 metres away in the dark, the world’s first to do so.

The product and technology is completely innovative and fully patented. This is the only device in the world with these capabilities. The product and technology has a huge market appeal. Since product launch (trade only, 16/04/2007) Waterbouy has received huge global interest from press, boaters, fisherman, and large multinational distributors and retailers. Seatriever International Ltd is now currently arranging international wholesale trade partnerships.

Waterbuoy - a miniature, automatic floating device, was the brainchild of 26 year old James Halliburton. As featured on BBC2's Dragon's Den - Waterbuoy was developed to protect valuables such as keys, cameras and mobile phones when in and around water, by bringing it and its attachments back to the surface and keeping them afloat for more than 24 hours when it is submerged in water. And just in case you lose your valuables at night, Waterbuoy has an emergency flashing light that makes it visible in the dark from more than 250 metres away.

Hannah Marshall

Hannah Marshall is a luxury British brand all about sophisticated minimalism characterised by subtle tactile detail.

The debut collection ‘Quiet Noise’ is a focused capsule collection of 12 minimalist yet darkly sophisticated dresses designed for Autumn/Winter 07-08. Fast becoming known for her innovative and tactile Braille coded designs, Hannah Marshall’s signature detail is cleverly applied with hidden Braille messages. Laser cutting, etching and embossing are key details to this aesthetically beautiful brand.

A directional and body conscious collection of refined dresses, indulgent in luxury British fabrics such as butter soft leather, blackest black long pile velvet, pure silk chiffon and fine stretch wool. The purposeful use of a colour palette exclusively in obligatory blackest black, graphite, dove and nude tones currently has international buyers clamouring for her inimitable pieces.

Up and coming fashion designer, 24 year old Hannah Marshall from Essex, is a graduate from the Colchester School of Art and Design. Her self titled clothing company which launched its debut collection, Quiet Noise, at the London Fashion Week in February is fast becoming known for its tactile, Braille coded designs. Hannah Marshall's collection of directional and body conscious refined dresses in luxury British fabrics, such as butter soft leather, blackest black, long pile velvet, pure silk chiffon and fine stretch wool, currently has got international buyers clamouring for her pieces.

Alex Griffin, Bouf Ltd

It was a sunny, Sunday afternoon at Spitalfields market in East London, when Alex Griffin realised how difficult it was to buy custom-made and unique products - be it art, fashion or furniture.

While high-street retailers churned-out bland, mass-produced and cheaply-made products with no room for personalisation, a world of innovative designer-makers and niche brands remained hidden. We were sure that people would rather buy lovingly-made, individual products than the high-street alternative, if only they could find them.

12 months of research, development and elbow-grease later, and we’ve come up with a web 2.0 solution. Described as a Superboutique, Bouf.com is the online venue to buy and sell limited edition, custom-made and highly unique products, from fashion, food and furniture to gadgets, footwear and gifts. All products are curated and often made in small quantities, so the range is always changing. Bouf.com is a fantastic source of unique products for all budgets, for those that prefer to stand out from the crowd.

Bouf.com is an online boutique selling everything from limited edition furniture and fashion to custom made gadgets and gifts. Bouf is the brainchild of 26 year old Alex Griffin who, frustrated by the lack of individuality on the high street, got together with worldwide, innovative design makers to offer his customers niche brands that until have remained hidden. Bouf.com showcases hundreds of unique products to suit all budgets, including Vitamin's Urban Gnome, Hulger's phone range, Zoë Stanton's Fair Share champagne fountain and Charlie Davidson's wheeler stools.

Advanced Electronic Solutions

Advanced Electronic Solutions supplies and installs electronic security products.

It also manufactures two products which are of its own unique design:

RapidCam.com, a rapid deployment CCTV product family which is a pole mountable solar and/or wind powered camera with digital recording used for combating antisocial behaviour, remote site security, and building site protection; and FarmCameras.co.uk, a long range wireless CCTV product for assisting farmers with calving, lambing and foaling.

www.AES-NI.co.uk

Advanced Electronic Solutions or AES, an electronic security company, was set up by Paul and Mark Creighton in Cookstown, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. AES supplies and installs the hi tech system as well as manufacturing two exclusive products for the security and monitory markets. RapidcamCam.co.uk is an all in one CCTV camera and integrated recording unit which offers remote site security for building sites, monitoring of traffic hotspots and a deterrent to antisocial behaviour at city nightspots. FarmCameras.co.uk is a long range, wireless CCTV system that can help farmers monitor, calving, lambing and foaling from a distance.

Nicky Gray, Kiki’s Kabin (L20 Ltd)

At the young age of 20, feeling held back by both age and gender whilst working in car sales, Nicky Gray was inspired by visiting soft play areas with her nephew and began her venture to create a business with a difference. Nicky’s vision was a transformation of a run down building into a friendly soft play area and cafe for the local community.

This vision became a reality when she opened Kiki’s Kabin and provided the community with what they were missing: a soft play not just for children to enjoy, but adults too. A whole range of activities are on offer, from the toddler area to the play frame, the bouncy castle and car track area to the exclusive ‘lazy lounge’ with Sky tv, pool table and wireless internet facilities.

After winning North Tyneside’s Young Entrepreneur award, Nicky felt privileged to be invited to enter the Shell Livewire Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards. She sees entering this competition as her next business opportunity and her chance to give something back to the community: if she is successful and wins any prize money, she plans to use it to expand the business and build a sensory room for disabled children.

Nicky says: ‘It was my dream to open a business but I didn't believe that in reality I could be a young entrepreneur’.

For more information visit:
www.shell-livewire.org/network/nickygray

Kiki's Kabin in North Shields, North Tyneside, is an indoor soft play area that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike. A welcome addition to the local community, Kiki's Kabin was opened in July 2006 after 20 year old Nicky Gray transformed the once rundown building into an innovative activity centre and café. From the toddler area to play frame, the bouncy castle and car track area to the lazy lounge with Sky TV, pool table and wireless internet, there is a whole host of fun to be had for all the family.

The Adventurists

The Adventurists (formerly known as The League of Adventurists International Ltd) organise hardcore adventure events raising large amounts of cash for charities.

Their first event, the Mongol Rally, was a 10,000 mile marathon to Mongolia in cars most would consider too small for the weekly shop. The second saw teams from all over the world drive 145cc auto rickshaws (tuk-tuks) 2,000 miles across India.

The Mongol Rally was started as a hobby by Tom Morgan who was frustrated by the lack of adventure left in the world. Guide books and maps cover everywhere on earth leaving nothing to discover, no edge of the map to walk off. The Rally grew so quickly that Tom was working full time and started the business to cope with the demand. Now the company is developing a wide range of new events, an online TV channel and magazine, and building media partnerships to create new adventure-based entertainment.

We’re delighted to have been chosen for the regional final of the Shell LiveWIRE Awards, funny to think it was just me in a cupboard a few months ago. It’s nice to stand back and think ‘blimey, we’ve come quite a long way!’”

Frustrated by the lack of adventure in the world Tom Morgan, Dan Wedgwood and Lamorna Trahair set up the Bristol based League of Adventurists, to organise adventure events to raise money for charity. Their first event in 2006 was the Mongol Rally, a 10,000 mile car marathon across three deserts and seven mountain ranges, from London to Mongolia. The event raised more than £200,000 for charity. The second adventure, The Rickshaw Run, has seen teams from all over the world drive motorised rickshaws 2,000 miles across India.

Sophie Hughes & Lucy Cohen, Mazuma UK Ltd

Mazuma is an accountancy practice, but with a difference. At Mazuma they break the mould of stereotypical accountants; They are a young, dynamic and friendly practice serving SMEs, partnerships, sole traders and the self employed. Mazuma offers accountancy, bookkeeping and payroll services, as well as both business and personal tax advice.

Lucy and Sophie started Mazuma as they felt they wanted to offer an honest and decent service to those requiring an Accountant. Mazuma has a fair, structured price plan based on the work required, rather than company's turnover, and clients can pick and choose what they want Mazuma to do for them. No-one is too small to have an Accountant, and with services starting at just £15 per month, Mazuma is affordable.

Mazuma entered the Shell Livewire Awards as both Directors are: passionate about their company; running a successful business; and most of all offering a great Accountancy service with personality to their clients. Both are entrepreneurs at heart, and Lucy and Sophie see Mazuma as just the start of many goals for their future business achievements!

For more information visit:
www.mazumamoney.co.uk
www.shell-livewire.org/network/Lucy%20Cohen/ 

Accountancy practice with a difference, Mazuma was set up in April last year by 24 year old Sophie Hughes and Lucy Cohen. Mazuma is based in Cardiff and offers accountancy, bookkeeping and payroll services as well as both business and personal tax advice to SMEs, partnerships, sole traders and the self employed. Mazuma breaks the mould of traditional accountants with its price plan which, starting at just £15, means that its clients can afford the benefits of accountancy advice no matter how large or small they might be.

Marc Day, Swap Game

When Marc Day launched his business “Swapgame.com Ltd” in July 2002 to provide unlimited games rentals over the Internet, there was nothing else like it in the UK. For a monthly subscription of £14.99, customers can have a variety of games for the PlayStation 2, Xbox or Gamecube, delivered free of charge to their door the following day. Swapgame.com is unique as there are no return dates for the games, therefore no penalty fees for late returns, or any additional charges to the subscription price. The website has secure credit or debit card payment facilities and operates a 3-strike policy to ensure all games are eventually returned in perfect condition, or the customer will be charged the full retail price for a replacement. The business has currently teamed up with various online companies such as the internet service provider Tiscali, who have taken on Swapgame.com as their exclusive games rental partner. So far, the business has attracted around 1,000 subscribers to the site.

After graduating with a degree in Business Administration, Marc joined the Internet sales department of a large communications company, before following his lifelong dream of starting a business. In the future, he hopes to link his business to lifestyle and student portals as well as employing more staff to keep pace with demand. Eventually Marc would like to make Swapgame.com the largest internet games rental service in Europe.

StarSparkles

StarSparkles offers a unique service of customising shoes using Swarovski Crystals. Pauline has always loved fashion and things that were different. She customised her own trainers seven years ago, as a hobby. In 2004, Pauline started working in Qube shoe shop where she met Tina Sparkle, her supervisor. Tina is really motivating and loves all things sparkly. Pauline decided she should ‘sparkle’ a pair of cow print Converse for Tina and so StarSparkles was born. Customers can now order bespoke designs or choose from a range of popular registered designs. Pauline really loves what she does and it makes her happy to see customers’ faces when they see their own Sparkles. Pauline was told about the awards by the PSYBT and thought it would be a good experience to enter. She is delighted to get into the Scottish final; her success has given her more drive and ambition to succeed. 

Pauline Clifford from Neilston in Glasgow set up her company, StarSparkles, as a result of her hobby for customising trainers with Swarovski crystals which began more than seven years ago. The sparkling shoes are adorned with anything from her customers' names, favourite song lyrics, flags or one of her own colourful designs. Celebrities such as Kelly Osbourne, Scarlett Johansson and even Paris Hilton have taken a shine to Pauline's products. To date the 25 year old has hand customised more than 1,500 pairs of shoes.

Alistair Price, FT iSAMS Ltd

The idea for iSAMS came when Alistair was studying A Levels at school and he heard teachers complaining about a newly purchased school management information system. After some research he saw there was a considerable lack of investment and generation of new, innovative ideas in the marketplace.

After A-Levels he began working as a gap year student for a local school. This gave him time to research further and start the development of this new product, whilst learning about the independent school market first hand. It has taken over 3 years to bring it to an acceptable quality for use in the market.

iSAMS provides the usual administrative tasks of pupil and staff records, timetabling, set management, school reports and examinations. In addition, the school can purchase further modules including pupil tracking, virtual learning environments, parent portals and other enhancements, taking the product beyond its competitors.

Alistair entered the awards because “I strongly believe that the range of iSAMS services now on offer benefits the productivity of a school and massively benefits everyone from teachers, students and staff alike." 

iSAMS was developed by Alistair Price of Northampton. It is an innovative, online management information system, designed specifically to help schools effectively administer vital information from timetables and tests to pupil's records and reports. The 23 year old came up with the idea whilst studying for his A levels and the product has taken three years to perfect. Unlike its competitors, iSAMS is tailored to each school's needs and includes optional add on modules such as virtual learning environments and parent portals, sending Alistair straight to the top of the class.

Simon Phelps, Fluvial Innovations Ltd

Fluvial Innovations Ltd provides functional and economical solutions against the risk of flooding, allowing individuals and organisations to mitigate and prevent the emotional and financial cost of flood damage. The company also provides rapidly deployable reservoir systems.

The company was initially formed to carry out a 9-month feasibility study into the patented modular flood barrier, FLOODSTOP. The study was part-funded by the UK Department of Trade and Industry (DTi).

FLOODSTOP was designed by Simon Phelps during his final year at university whilst studying BSc (Hons) Computer Aided Product Design. He became aware of the necessity of a rapidly deployable flood barrier during the Lewes and Uckfield floods of 2000. It astonished him when a large number of properties were devastated, all because a sandbag barrier couldn’t be erected in time. Since graduating in July 2005, Simon has been working alongside BU Innovations Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Bournemouth University, in order to commercialise the product.

Fluvial Innovations Ltd was originally formed in July 2006 by Simon Phelps to undertake a feasibility study into the patented, modular flood barrier, Floodstop, for which it was awarded a DTI grant. The company also provides rapidly deployable reservoir systems and other functional and economical solutions to mitigate the risk of flooding. With 1 in 10 houses in the UK under threat of flooding, Floodstop was designed to be a quick and easy to assemble flood barrier to protect households or premises from flood damage, and the associated, emotional and financial costs.

James Watt, Brewdog

Seven thousand years ago, a mystical and enchanting beverage was discovered. It was a nourishing foodstuff that played a pivotal role in many great ancient civilisations.

Today, in the hectic, monopolised, grey world we live in there is no longer magic to be found in this bland, mass produced, cheaply sourced and watered down concoction.

At BrewDog we believe that the magic is still there to be extracted from this drink. All that is needed is the reintroduction of the passion, love, care, and the highest quality ingredients.

Everyone who shares in BrewDog’s vision will be able to escape from the monotony of modern day life and rediscover the zest, sparkle and spectrum of joys provided by nature and her wares that make life worth living.

Come and join us on a journey….

Brewdog, a brewery with a difference, is the brainchild of 25 year old James Watt and his business partner Martin Dickie. The Fraserburgh based company started brewing beers and lagers last year. Their products first went on sale in local hostelry Blue Toon but soon after pubs in the region were clamouring to get their hands on the top tipples. Preservative and additive free, the company uses local malts and hops from America, Belgium, the Czech Republic and as far as field as New Zealand to make their innovatively titled Hop Rocker lager, Punk IPA pale ale and The Physics amber beer.