Liverpool students in pitching session to Manchester ‘dragons’

A DRAGONS’ Den-style challenge has seen students at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) pitch business plans to Manchester business experts.

IdeaLab 2016, a pilot accelerator scheme for technology-based business ideas, took place at the university as the four teams saw a 10-month preparation process come to a dramatic climax.

The scheme, set up by The Centre for Entrepreneurship at LJMU, put students through their paces, requiring them to produce perfect business plans and develop their concepts for final presentations in from of a guest panel.

A range of ideas were presented including a conference delegate app, technology to improve solar panel efficient and a social networking app.

Two of the panel members were from Bathgate Group, with CEO Gary Laverick and Alastair Jones, head of underwriting at Bathgate Business Finance judged the presentations and decided who would receive their support.

Bathgate CEO, Gary Laverick, said: “the creative ideas and professionally presented business plan together with the students’ enthusiasm and produce knowledge made for a truly inspirational event.

“Everyone involved deserves great credit.”

The winners were DIGI-HAWK, who developed an idea for technology which detects debris on airport runways.

Although the winners won a trophy, each team taking part in the showcase will be given ongoing support by the Centre for Entrepreneurship.

The founder and chairman of Bathgate Group, Rod Walker, is a former pro-chancellor of LJMU.

He said: “The health and welfare of the community is best achieved by the provision of employment and this is vital for our future.

“Bathgate is…delighted to be able to support Liverpool John Moores University in the important work of entrepreneurship through the start-up fund.”

Bathgate Group’s start-up fund is the result of a five-year partnership with the university.

Liverpool John Moores University won the ‘Building Enterprise Skills’ category in September at the government’s annual Enterprising Britain Awards.

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