Virtual greetings are ‘on message’ with Dragons
August 3, 2016
Local healthcare manager Deepak Samson, and creator of ‘The Smart Hub’, emerged as the recent winner of the 2016 Fly or Die competition designed to reward and showcase entrepreneurial spirit among participants of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s Graduate Programme.
The Dragons Den style event saw Deepak, who has developed a clever technology solution to combat the isolation often experienced by older people living alone, not only pitch his wits against the four other finalists but also face some challenging questions from the Dragons.
‘The Smart Hub’ allows users to communicate with their wider family and support network using interactive, high definition, secure video technology. Simple to use and requiring no previous IT knowledge, ‘The Smart Hub’ can be used for video chats, instant messaging and sharing of photos and videos. Remote virtual viewing of events such as parties and wedding ceremonies is now possible meaning the housebound individual need never miss another special family occasion.
Councillor Uel Mackin, Chairman of the Council’s Development Committee, speaking about this initiative said: “The Business Solutions Graduate Programme is aimed at offering bespoke mentoring support to assist entrepreneurs overcome the barriers associated with setting up their own business; and the Fly or Die competition is a great opportunity for the graduates to develop their pitching skills.
“I was delighted to meet up with Deepak after he won to hear all about his innovative business idea. To have created a technology platform to ensure the older generation can remain connected with family and friends is excellent. I know the specialist mentoring support and £1000 prize money that Deepak will receive will greatly benefit his business. Well done Deepak.”
Other finalists included Aaron Browne with his business Social Chattr which monitors and captures social media commentary on behalf of key brands and Philip Patterson who builds confidence and creativity through the Bannerlords Drama Workshops. Alison Campbell of Vintage Me, a special events and mobile beauty business and Al McNicholl of Itty Bitty Book Co, creators and designers of a range of inspirational quote products, also earned the judges admiration for their passion and commitment to their business ethos.
Each of the five contestants were quizzed on the workings of their business and all three Dragons; Orla Corr, Chairperson of McAvoy Group; Andrew Robinson, Managing Director of Boomer Industries and Hazel King, Economic Development Manager, Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council were not afraid to ask pertinent questions relating to financial viability and growth potential. The event was compered by the enthusiastic Gerry Faloona, who treated the audience to his humorous observations on the subject of enterprise.
Fly or Die is part of the Business Solutions Graduate Programme, a bespoke business support programme for graduate entrepreneurs. The programme is delivered by Lisburn Enterprise Organisation and to date nearly 150 graduate entrepreneurs have benefited from support developing over 85 new businesses and employing 130 people.