Start-ups pitch to John Lewis
Fledgling businesses lined up last week to impress a panel of seasoned judges from the British high street institution in a bid to get their big break.
Thirteen finalists presented their innovative designs to John Lewis buyers after being picked from over 400 entries to attend an event at the retailer’s London headquarters. The Pitchup initiative is part of national enterprise campaign StartUp Britain’s plans to encourage more big businesses to help small.
Each start-up had a 25 minute slot to present at the day-long event and will receive a follow-up mentoring session with a relevant buyer to help ready their product for market.
StartUp Britain co-founder Emma Jones said: “Getting an opportunity to pitch to a retailer like John Lewis is incredible for these small business and will give them a real insight into what they need to do to prepare their business for scaling.
Never Miss a Retail Update!“The mentoring will be essential to help these businesses to grow into the future high street producers.”
Anna Rigby, head of buying, home, gifts and accessories at John Lewis, said: “We are delighted to work with Startup Britain to hold our second Pitchup event. We were so impressed with all the finalists; their professionalism when pitching to us was remarkable and the innovative products on show were truly inspiring.
“We have invited all 13 talented start-ups back for a one hour’s mentoring session and look forward to working more closely with them and helping to maximise their products for the retail environment.”
Products presented includued a high tech wearable HD camera, an electric foldable bike, an ethical range of home ware and gifts imported from South Africa and Zimbabwe, highland-inspired lambs wool scarves, gloves and hats, an environmentally-friendly carrier bag that transforms into a 60L refuse sack and a children’s ride-on plastic toy that encourages children to tidy-up.
