Member Article

Biz Idol finalists announced

A hot soup bar, a new art concept and an importer of healthy white tea are the three finalists that have made it through to the final of a business competition which follows hot on the heels of reality TV shows The X Factor and Dragon’s Den. Ten hot-shot hopefuls pitched head-to-head at the semi final event at Tiger Tiger this weekend, after being chosen from hundreds of exciting business ideas for this year’s Biz Idol competition.James Surgeon of Heaton got through to the finals with ‘Hot Bowl’, an innovative speciality soup bar that provides healthy and nutritious soups and snacks, which is growing in popularity in other areas of the UK. Stacey Russell of Fall Pass, Gateshead went through with her idea for The Art Concept, an art based business retailing both contemporary canvas artwork and also producing bespoke pieces. Sharon Oliver of Castle Eden in County Durham plans to sell boxed loose-leaf organic white tea (a type of green tea but more delicate in flavour and lighter in colour) to certain high street stores, delicatessens and healthy venues such as gyms. She plans to capitalise on the already growing market for the health-giving properties in speciality teas. A judges’ choice commendation was also given to Joshua March Cowan for his Ethnic Style business idea for selling exclusive homewares.The finalists, who will go head-to-head at the Big Day Event on 6 July, are competing for an astounding support package, featuring essential start-up support, expert consultancy and £2000 cash to help them start their company immediately.The adults shared some serious competition on the day, as the finalists for the new Biz Idol U18 competition include 13-year old Jordan Raiye of Houghton-le-Spring, who was the only contestant on the day to score full marks. He has cerebral palsy and sees Biz Idol U18 as his chance to make a huge difference to help the disabled. Jordan wants to see the price of disability aids such as leg braces, PVC hand gloves and automated hands drop dramatically in price by getting them made directly by his own workforce and therefore saving money that can be used for research and attempts to prevent severe illnesses.Other finalists in the under-18 catergory were 11-year old Jack Moore of Newcastle Upon Tyne, who plans to hold a range of parties across the North East each with different themes and give half of the profits away to charities that are close to people’s hearts in that certain area or city; and Glyn Connolly, 17 of Washington made it through to the finals with his concept to create revitalising fruit drinks, smoothies and healthy meal alternatives by opening an appealing and contemporary health cafe and juice bar.The finals of Biz Idol and Biz Idol U18 take place at the Big Day Event at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light on 6 July. To find out more go to www.business-week.org/bigdayevent.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .