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13 May 2005 16:45:05
A 20-year-old accountancy student has won this year’s Business Concept Competition at the University of Luton, after showcasing his plans to launch a new energising drink made from dates.
The competition, sponsored by Chamber Business and e-Financial Management, was open to staff and students at the University as well local entrepreneurs. Two prizes were up for grabs - a £1,000 prize for the best business idea and £250 for the best e-commerce idea.
After receiving his £1,000 cheque, Bilal Ahmed Surahyo said: “Winning this award is such a brilliant start to taking my idea forward.
“When I studied in Bahrain I noticed that people ate large quantities of dates on a daily basis. I remembered that back home in Pakistan, date drinks are widely sold, but there didn’t seem to be any on sale in Bahrain.
“I realised there was a market in Bahrain for such a drink. In the Arab world, it is well known that dates have particular health benefits such as helping with weight loss, speeding up the recovery of convalescing patients and also helping to increase energy levels. To have it on sale as a drink would mean it could be sold in wide range of locations, including small shops, supermarkets and restaurants.”
Presenting the prizes was Vice Chancellor, Professor Les Ebdon. He said: “It is vital to encourage business stars of the future, and these awards go a long way to help nurture these exceptional individuals, who have put a great deal of hard work in to their business ideas.
“With the right support and direction, we know from previous case studies, that the winners here today could go on to make their business ideas a reality.”
The winner of the £250 best e-commerce idea went to Peter Matyas for his online document delivery system.
Runners up included Paul Carter and Tanya Whitehurst (photo) for their relaxing Words and Music stores concept. Their proposal outlined plans to open a chain of stores where customers can buy coffee, CDs and books, and relax during their lunch hour or on a shopping trip, but with a special ambience new to the UK’s high streets.
The second runner up was Adrian Turscan for his electronic Recordpad product that can store hand-written documents and record speakers and lecturers. Adrian plans to market his product to business professionals, teachers and students.
In the meantime, Bilal would like to finish his degree before he continues with his business plan. “I’ve made contacts about progressing my date drink idea but my studies are my priority for now,” he said.
To find out more about workshops and networking events, plus the nationally-praised Basics of Building a Business (B3) lecture series, call the knowledge hub on 0800 328 5334 or visit www.luton.ac.uk/businessservices/entrepreneurship.
Latest news» 2005» May» University Awards Business Stars of the Future
