If you’ve ever visited our website or Manchester HQ, then one thing should already be abundantly clear. Here at Smoking Gun PR we value ingenuity, and always have time for great, stand out ideas.
As such the launch of Richard Branson’s Virgin Media #VOOM Pitch to Rich competition for 2015 has not gone unnoticed by our staff. The concept, like most good ones, is simple. Entrepreneurs can put forward business proposals to the Virgin boss, and the winners will receive a share in the £1million business accelerator prize fund he has earmarked for this worthwhile endeavour.
With 1800 pitches submitted online so far at virginmediabusiness.co.uk/pitch-to-rich, the competition is fierce. Trussing up with LinkedIn, the world’s biggest business social network, has seemingly been an effective method of driving entries and getting the Virgin Media brand name some stand-out attention.
Quite the opportunity, since it launched last month we’ve been scouring the UK for the best, most imaginative and groundbreaking entrants in the hope of inspiring people to come up with their own displays of ingeniousness. After all, it’s part of our daily mantra here on Bridge Street. Here are our choice picks thus far.
Triple Tread
Looking to exploit the rise in popularity of cycling in Britain, and provide a solution to the question of how MS sufferers can stay active, Triple Tread is a unique three-wheeled bike design that offers extra balance, greater stability and increased mobility for those diagnosed with the condition. It’s also a Manchester-based concept, which we understandably like.
YourPhysioPlan
This Kent-based enterprise is hoping to expand on its current USP as the only monthly payment plan for physiotherapy available in the United Kingdom. Whilst demand for physio is extremely high in all regions of the country, currently access to such services outside the NHS can be incredibly expensive, and as such it’s often highly restrictive for many Britons.
My Street
A new social networking proposition which looks to reduce food and household waste through neighbourhood collaboration. People can share recipes, ideas for dishes and even ingredients with others in their local area, thus reducing the amount of produce they buy but eventually throw away without using.
Tipit
Another Manchester start-up, Tipit could well be what bar and restaurant staff have been waiting for. The app, which is due to be trialled this summer, allows patrons to give tips via their mobile phone, directly to individual members of staff, thus ensuring the person serving them is the person who benefits.