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1 Apr 2009 13:47:04
The region’s brightest budding entrepreneurs gathered together for the University of Bedfordshire’s iFactor business awards on 12 March.
The annual ceremony, now in its seventh year, celebrates new business concepts and offers participants the opportunity to launch their company, product or service. Winners at iFactor 2009 included local business people and University students.
iFactor is the finale of the University’s Basics of Building a Business (B3) lecture series, a free resource offering students and local aspiring entrepreneurs expert advice on starting a business from leading industry speakers.
This year’s ceremony saw Joshua Neuloh (photo) awarded the top prize of £1,000 to put towards his concept. Joshua’s innovative idea – a system to analyse starts and turns for elite swimmers using underwater cameras – was a resounding success with the panel, thanks to the niche nature of the product.
Joshua commented on his win: “I’m quite speechless because this is the first business plan I have written. I had the idea in my mind for over two years but didn’t seriously think about it as a business until a few months ago.”
Joshua is currently completing a Sports Science and Coaching BSc Honours Degree at the University and also works as a swimming coach.
He added: “The B3 lectures are great. They really help you see how people can succeed and get their ideas out into the market. It gives you a great opportunity to find out about business, it costs nothing and they have brilliant speakers.”
Other winners on the night included first runners-up James Bonner and James Richardson, for their idea to provide British schools with Mandarin Chinese teachers directly from China. Second runner-up was Ellena O’Sullivan for her PR and socially responsible events company.
Professor Les Ebdon CBE, University Vice Chancellor, commented on the event: “This is always one of the best nights of the year for me because such exciting and innovative ideas come out of it. I thought the winning concept was outstanding.”
Latest news» 2009» April» iFactor awards celebrate new entrepreneurial talent
