Member Article

Creative entrepreneurs pitch to John Lewis buyers

Thirteen fledgling businesses pitched to John Lewis buyers this week as part of the Pitchup initiative.

Each start-up had a 25 minute slot to present at the event, and will now await feedback from a buyer to help ready their product for market.

The scheme is part of StartUp Britain’s national campaign, and co-founder Emma Jones said: “Getting an opportunity to pitch to a retailer like John Lewis is incredible for these small business and will give them a real insight into what they need to do to prepare their business for scaling.

“The mentoring will be essential to help these businesses to grow into the future high street producers.”

The pitchers included the likes of Marcin Piatowski, a 24-year-old former investment banker who has developed an electric foldable bike design; Orkney-based knitwear designer, Hilary Grant; and design technology teacher, Richard Simmonite, with his environmentally friendly carrier bag idea.

Anna Rigby, head of buying, home, gifts and accessories at John Lewis, said: “We are delighted to work with Startup Britain to hold our second Pitchup event. We were so impressed with all the finalists; their professionalism when pitching to us was remarkable and the innovative products on show were truly inspiring.

“We have invited all 13 talented start-ups back for a one hour’s mentoring session and look forward to working more closely with them and helping to maximise their products for the retail environment.”

Elsewhere, 22-year-old former advertising strategist Charlotte Cramer, presented her idea for travel journals; Corby-based former council worker, Jean Fisher-Taylor, demonstrated ‘Ur Tubes,’ a children’s building toy; and Roxi and David Zeeman unveiled their ethical home ware range.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .