UWL teams pitch winning business ideas to Brentford Dragons
After months of applications, selections, heats and presentations, the Grand Finale of Brentford Dragons took place on Wednesday 22 April. Four teams made it through to the final, all of them UWL students. The Brentford Dragons, all members of the Brentford Chamber of Commerce, challenge competitors to come up with a business idea or invention to help encourage entrepreneurship.
After a chance to look at the stands created by the four teams in the final, the guests enjoyed a presentation from each group. The finalists’ companies were Lokitech, a remote-controlled lock; Smart Desk, an elegant desk with technology built in; Unitouch, a social media site just for students; and Protein Punch, home-baked high-protein goods for athletes and gym users.
The judges were top business leaders in West London. Suzie Betlem is owner of Miracle Inc and President of Brentford Chamber of Commerce, Angela Lyons-Redman is director of My Plumber, Harry Scrope is MD of Brompton Bike Hire and Eric Jafari is CEO of Urban Villa.
Winning team Protein Punch (Nik Azri, Pavindeep Dosanjh and Charlotte Brazil) with President of the Brentford Chamber of Commerce Suzie Betlem and Mayor of Hounslow Corinna Smart
The calibre was very high, but after discussion Protein Punch were announced the winners. They were presented with a trophy by the Mayor of Hounslow, Councillor Corinna Smart. The winners also received £1000 towards start-up costs and membership of Brentford Chamber of Commerce, as well as the invaluable help of a mentor from the Chamber.
Winners Protein Punch said, ‘It has been a great experience for all three of us to win the Brentford Dragons competition. We felt overjoyed and delighted by the victory and won £1000. We plan to develop the product and get more feedback from the local area by using the money that we have won.’
Brentford Chamber of Commerce President Suzie Betlem said, ‘It was wonderful to work with the University. The Dragons, and the members who attended, were very impressed with all of the finalists’ presentations. We welcome all entrepreneurs into the Chamber, and we look forward to working with Protein Punch to help them develop their business plans in the coming year.’
All teams enjoyed the experience and felt they learned something valuable from it to take into the world of work.
