Finalists revealed for Venturefest Manchester Innovation showcase

The shortlist for the Best Start-Up Business is:

Actiphons Ltd

Based in Atherton, this company has created a television show and teaching resource, Alphabetty and the Actiphons, to help children learn phonics.

Beatstream Media Ltd

Based in Central Manchester, Beatstream have developed a love music app and boasts Inspiral Carpets’ keyboard player, DJ and radio presenter Clint Boon as its Director of Music.

Bee Industrious

Based in Central Manchester, Bee Industrious is a market research agency also known as APEX & Partners Ltd that has regional offices in New York and Lagos, Nigeria.

Energi Mine

Based in Oldham, this firm have developed an app that allows users to find the best energy prices.

Virtual Training Centre

Based in Salford, this online training solutions provider offers regulatory, bespoke and accredited online courses.

The shortlist for the Best Established Business is:

Avakino Limited

Based in Central Manchester, Avakino provides its Masumi Headwear range of products (an example is pictured at the top of the page) to two of the largest NHS cancer centres in the UK and has recently developed an exclusive collection for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Mello Drinks                                     

Based in Central Manchester, Mello manufacture and distribute a range of natural fruit juices and snacks.

Rochdale Circle CIC

This innovative community interest company flips traditional health and social care thinking on its head by focusing on ground-breaking service models.

The Link app

Based in Central Manchester, The Link is a free mobile app that provides an encrypted communication channel for those in the legal profession.

Tile Master Global Ltd

Based in Stockport, this company manufactures and distributes professional cleaning products and systems.

Chris Greenhalgh, head of innovation and programme development at the Hub, said:

“The standard of entries for the 2017 Innovation Showcase has been exceptional, and the final promises to be hugely competitive.

“With a unique mix of inspirational speakers, interactive workshops and networking and business opportunities, this year’s Venturefest is lined up to be better than ever. If you’re an innovator, investor, entrepreneur or academic, book your place now at venturfestmanchester.com.”

Commenting on the company’s nomination in the Best Start-Up Business category, Nick Richardson, managing director of Bee Industrious, said:

“All of us at Bee Industrious are absolutely delighted to have made the finals of Venturefest Manchester 2017. The hard work, collaboration and innovation of our core team and partners has been key in helping us achieve so much since our launch earlier this year. And whilst we are thrilled with our progress to date, this is only the start of our ambitious plans for the future.”

Rose Aldean, co-founder and director of Mello Drinks, said of its nomination in the Best Established Business category:

“We’re really excited that Mello has been included in the finals and hope that by being involved in Venturefest it will really put Mello on the map in the North West! We’re leading innovation within the food and drink category and we’re confident that being a finalist in the Venturefest competition will bring further recognition of our innovative nature and achievements to date.”

Venturefest Manchester 2017 and the Innovation Showcase competition are both being run by Business Growth Hub. These and other Business Growth Hub projects are part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the GM Business Growth Hub, which is designed to help ambitious SME businesses achieve growth and increase employment in Greater Manchester.

Businesses looking to access specialist support can visit www.businessgrowthhub.com/services for more information about our extensive range of services.

The shortlisted businesses will now receive pitching advice and support by finance specialists from within the Growth Hub and make a short three-minute presentation at Venturefest Manchester, which takes place at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall on Thursday 14 September.