Somerset business ‘Staff Guardian’, based in Lympsham, got to pit its wits against Europe’s best in a European-wide competition called the ‘Converge Challenge’.
Staff Guardian makes GPS safety devices for lone workers and was one of twelve start-up businesses from across the continent that were short-listed to pitch their product or service to a panel of six European judges. Prizes of €5,000, and €3,000, for Best Open Innovation Business and Best Open Innovation Idea were up for grabs.
The competition is part of the European-funded, ‘Open Innovation’ project and is supported by Conservative-led Somerset County Council.
The competition was hosted in Edinburgh with judges looking for innovative new products or services while assessing their market potential and considering the use of the ‘Open Innovation’ project’s principals. The judges focussed on collaboration with other businesses, customers and staff, and bringing a new product or service to market.
Although the Somerset based business was unsuccessful in its quest for glory, the company gained valuable experience from being short-listed for the prestigious, European-wide competition.
Mike Turner from Staff Guardian commented: “Pitching our lone worker safety device to the judges was challenging and really got the adrenalin going. Although my company didn’t win the overall Challenge, the experience and combined feedback from the judges will help me grow Staff Guardian to even greater success in the European community. I’m glad that Somerset County Council gave me the opportunity to take part in this high profile event.”
Deputy Leader of Somerset County Council, Cllr David Hall, said: “Somerset County Council are proud to be partners in this project to help Somerset businesses learn more about the principles of Open Innovation, supporting economic prosperity of the county. This event proves that Somerset businesses can hold their heads high in the face of European competition and I’m delighted that Mike Turner from Staff Guardian seized the opportunity to take part.”