Last night saw the finale of the Stockport Spark Business Idea competition at The Stockport Business & Innovation Centre and, despite a close contest and a wealth of plausible ideas – the winning idea went to Bariquins.
Bariquins produce 25st mannequins that are used by emergency services personnel, healthcare workers and any other business where they may be required to lift obese people.
The idea helps reduce back injuries through correcting incorrect lifting techniques and the mannequins provide almost life like alternatives that help training and reduction in the musculoskeletal injuries to the lifter or handler. Back injuries cost the NHS alone over £400m a year.
The competition was supported by a wide range of Marketing Stockport members including The Royal Bank of Scotland.
Mike Hurleston, Director of Corporate Banking for the Royal Bank of Scotland was impressed with the calibre and innovative ideas:
“We were impressed with all the finalists. The quality, breadth of the ideas and passion for thier individual business plans was clear from the outset. We very much look forward to working with Bariquins on supporting and helping them develop this unique and innovative business”
As well as banking support from The Royal Bank of Scotland, Bariquins can look forward to a package of support from the sponsors worth £15,000, including a year’s free office space at SBIC which is owned by Stockport Council, support on PR, accountancy, legal, Intellectual Property, idea generation and a 12 month advertising package.
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