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Young entrepreneur wins £1,000 and backing from Tim Campbell
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A YOUNG entrepreneur is celebrating after being awarded £1,000 prize money and financial backing from ‘Apprentice’ winner Tim Campbell for her innovative business idea.
27-year-old Louise Broni-Mensah was selected by a panel of judges and the public to be a Shell LiveWIRE Grand Ideas award winner for her online ticketing business, Shoobs.
Shoobs allows event organisers, namely the smaller ones, to set up an online ticketing, promotion and social media platform to connect people to London’s thriving nightlife.
The award-winning idea was born out of Louise’s frustration at the inefficient selling process faced by smaller event organisers and events. She then made it her goal to make professional ticketing accessible to all organisers, regardless of size.
“Smaller event organisers are spending too much time, not to mention money, running around town selling tickets offline. We want to let them know that we are here to help so they can concentrate on what really matters, putting on a great event.” Louise said.
“The niche market include nightclubs and small gigs, which has largely been ignored by the ticketing industry, with players such as Ticketmaster focusing on large events. Shoobs embraces these smaller events and provides a refreshing, innovative and connected approach to online ticketing.” She continued.
Event organisers can se up a profile ticketing page on a unique web address and customise their ticket event page with pictures, videos and music to help bring their events to life. The service is completely free for event organisers, while Louise will add a small booking fee on top of the value of the ticket.
After being made redundant from her post as a Junior Trader at UBS Investment Bank, Louise decided to take her future in her own hands. The following year she received a cash injection from Tim Campbell’s Bright Ideas Trust who offer business support and investment to 16-30 year olds in London who are looking to start their own business.
“With growing youth unemployment and economic unrest, it may seem that there are little opportunities for today’s young generation. However I encourage those with a business idea to take the plunge and go at it alone. Programmes like the Bright Ideas Trust and Shell LiveWire can help you turn your business idea into reality.
“The financial boost of winning a Grand Ideas award has been a huge help and will enable me to further develop Shoobs.” She said.
Published: 24 May 2010
Issue: 1424
