We’ve found six of the best

May 12 2009 by Joanne Welford, Evening Gazette

THE den is empty, the ‘dragons’ are deliberating ... which of the region’s fledgling entrepreneurs will win the If We Can, You Can Challenge? JOANNE WELFORD meets the contenders.

PITCHING your business idea to a panel of Teesside’s top business brains would terrify most.

But for six fledgling entrepreneurs budding to become the next big thing, it was an experience never to be forgotten.

And for the most part, they admit, they enjoyed the opportunity.

So, who are they?

The six finalists were chosen from almost 100 entries to the If We Can, You Can Challenge 2009 which aims to find the face of entrepreneurship in the Tees Valley.

The final pitches included ideas for a national franchise of spray-tan parties, a carbon-busting invention to slash drivers’ fuel costs, and a renewable energy specialist.

They had 20 minutes each to pitch to the panel - made up of some of Teesside’s top business brains - and were scored on vision, concept and drive as well as receiving some first-hand business advice.

The two finalists with the highest marks will be unveiled on Thursday and will go forward to a four-week public vote, which will be combined with the judges' scores.

The winner is set to be announced on June 11.

Here’s the final six, and what they thought of in the Dragon’s Den moment:

Derek Foxcroft, 49, is MD of Re-Freshco - a business that aims to help reduce transport carbon emissions.

His business is about to develop a prototype which he hopes to be able to market to the automotive and marine industries.

“I absolutely loved it,” he says of his panel appearance, “it was very exciting, it was nice to be questioned in depth by people in business who appreciate what you have got, what you have done and where you are going.”

Vinnie Morgan, 24, was pitching his Mango Studio business which supplies on line booking systems for the leisure and experience industry.

“We aim to become the next generation company offering cost effective solutions that will increase online activity in an industry that to date has yet to experience full digital capability. We also want to put Teesside on the map in terms of digital delivery within this industry,” he says.

He’s hoping he gets the chance to discuss his ideas with the region’s business experts again. “It went quite quickly,” he says.

David Maloney, 38, from Marske is championing a renewable energy business providing wind turbines, photo voltaics and solar heating and lighting to homes.

He found it quite difficult facing the panel, he says.

“They asked me about competition, if I had started work and how much work I had collected so far,” he says.

“I’m new to business so I’m hoping that I will be able to learn from the experience of the members of the panel.”

Gary Eccles, 49, has a business idea called Ideas2Business - he aims to offer ideas and advice to other businesses.

“The panel went well,” he says.

“I think it wasn’t what I was expecting - I didn’t know what to expect!”

“I have got to a time in life now that all I want is to see all these ideas be given a chance to succeed and hopefully make a secure future for myself and family, which is what has driven me on for the last 30 years.”

Louise Bell, 36, from Ingleby Barwick, has a spray tanning business called Healthy Glow which she is hoping to turn into a national franchise.

“I found it very nerve wracking,” she says of the panel.

She hopes her franchise will offer more than just teaching spray tanning - including party planning and how to run a business.

“But I have secrets to my success, and I have a lot of experience that I am capable of passing on to others,” she says.

Mark Easby, 31, has a business called Better Brand Agency which provides consultancy and support on brand development and digital integration.

“I’m always very nervous when I get in front of a panel of people,” he says. “I am comfortable talking about the business but I get very passionate about it. I think I got across what I needed to.”

He thinks there are clear opportunities out there.

“Businesses who open their minds and hearts to the needs of their consumer, that involve them in shaping their products and services are ultimately stronger businesses,” he says.

For ‘post’Den interviews log on to newbusiness.co.uk