On January 11th 2022, The Tiger’s Pen – part of the Sussex Business Show – hosted a unique event at the University of Brighton. Organised by Sonny Cutting, founder of the Sussex Business Show and Dr Adam Jones of Brighton University, the Tiger’s Pen was an opportunity for aspiring student entrepreneurs to present their own business ideas to an experienced panel of business owners.
As part of an exciting new partnership, business leaders were a collective hub of wisdom and wealth of experience, offering advice and a critical eye for the next generation of entrepreneurs. The cast of this unique initiative were to be judges, listening to the pitches from Brighton University’s very own business students – who had to be prepared to face the Tiger’s roar.
The panel of judges (the ‘Tigers’) comprised Nick Poyner (Rubix VT), Paul Britton (Britton & Time), Flo Powell (Midnight Communications), Sam Thomas (County Business Clubs Sussex) and Steve Rackley (James Chase, Silicon Brighton).
On the day, the Tiger’s Pen was a hive of activity, buzzing with dynamic young minds who generated innovative and creative ideas. The experienced Tigers gave in-depth feedback, hoping to both help the students achieve better grades in their degrees, but also apply to real life; inspiring students to make their concepts their reality.
Throughout the event, the Tigers heard pitches for the following business ideas:
• An app described as the Uber for clubbers. Features on the app included live queue updates so people can arrive when wait times are shorter, contacts for night time safe spaces, reviews of clubs, DJ profiles and other features to improve safety when out on a night out.
• An online store for sustainable underwear aimed at 16-40 year olds. The site would be environmentally and body positive, using materials such as ethically-sourced bamboo. The site would also raise funds for ‘Smalls for all’.
• An independent app for photographers. The app would be a hub for photographers to upload and sell photos. It would also be a space where businesses can commission local photographers, and act as an alternative to the major stock photo libraries.
• A smart bedside table top aimed at 18-35 year olds and students. The stylish table top, which is portable, would be the ultimate in convenience, with built-in phone chargers, a light and Bluetooth speakers.
• An app to keep children safe while online. The app would allow parents to monitor messages or posts being seen by children, as well as the websites they visit. Children are highly vulnerable to online groomers and predators. The app would help keep them safe and give parents peace of mind.
With such innovative ideas, the Tigers were thoroughly impressed by the quality of the pitches and applauded their concepts and ideas. On the day, there were two prestigious awards given to the ‘Best Concept’ and the ‘Best Pitch’. Though tough to choose from the array on offer, Night Saver (the personal safety app for clubbers) won the best concept for its small, yet absolutely underrated feature focus; whilst Safe Guard (the child’s safety app) won the best pitch with dynamic delivery and enthusiasm.
This event was one to build confidence, encourage boldness and highlight the value of thinking differently – skills an entrepreneur leans on for success. The next Tiger’s Pen takes place at the Sussex Business Show on May 5th, 2022. Try your hand at facing the Tigers – can you handle it?
Book in on the website to attend the event – www.sussexbizshow.com
