Two Stockport businesses, Hydro Water Management Solutions and Social Circle, are on the shortlist for the Venturefest Manchester 2016 Innovation Showcase.
Organised and led by Business Growth Hub, part of Manchester Growth Company, Venturefest brings together the north west’s most exciting innovators, entrepreneurs and investors on September 21 at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester.
The 23 shortlisted businesses will pitch their services and products to a panel of three expert judges and the 10 finalists will present at Venturefest to a live audience when the winner will be crowned following an audience vote.
Businesses on the shortlist come from a range of sectors across the north west, including life sciences, manufacturing, and design, creative and technology.
They include: Click Your GP; GCOFN; Extreme Low Energy; Rescutec; LIG Biowise; Limon Attire; GatorDuct; Pearlman Technologies; HairClone; Mymanu; Cube121; EveryWalk; Swifty Scooters; Langford Direct; Nothing but Epic; GJD Manufacturing; Actiphons; MPMsim; Hydro Water Management Solutions; Social Circle; Bri-Tek Technologies; and C-Major; VST Enterprises.
Social Circle is a specialist events company that connects like-minded people across Greater Manchester through social activities.
The business was founded in 2009 by Stephen Sutherland, who created the social gathering service in response to his difficulties meeting new people after moving to Manchester from Scotland.
The business currently has around 300 members and hosts a range of events, including monthly meals, walks, and group holidays.
Also based in Stockport, Hydro Water Management Solutions offers professional knowledge and a comprehensive range of water management systems and products.
The business designs tailor-made products, including infiltration, rainwater recycling, and drainage systems.
Now in its third year, Venturefest is organised by Business Growth Hub in partnership with Innovate UK and the Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN).
Over 700 people were in attendance when Tom New and Al Mackin, co-founders at Salford-based online shopping specialists Formisimo, won the prize package at last year’s event.
Formisimo used the winnings to help fund and launch Nudgr, the software that predicts whether or not a customer will complete an online purchase.
Richard Jeffery, director at Business Growth Hub, said: “The quality of the applications for the Innovation Showcase has made the task of compiling this shortlist very difficult.
“We have seen an abundance of talent and entrepreneurial ingenuity on display and that is encouraging for the north west as a whole.
“With that and the speakers we have in attendance, this year’s event promises to be a highly engaging and inspirational experience.
“I wish all of the businesses the best of luck and look forward to seeing their innovative ideas come to life at the event in September.”