“Fluvial Innovations Ltd named as regional finalist beating more than 3600 entrants”

The Barclays Business ‘Take One Small Step’ competition, which launched in March awarding ten budding business minds across the UK £50,000 each to transform their innovative vision into a reality, has named Fluvial Innovations Ltd as one of three regional finalist’s in the South West. The two other South West regional finalists:  Ovo Energy and Jessel Innovations are based in Cirencester and Reading.

Managing Director at Fluvial Innovations Ltd, Simon Phelps, said: “My idea actually came to me at university when I was watching a TV report on a devastating flood event in Sussex in 2000. It seemed ridiculous to me that councils were handing out ineffective sandbags that just didn’t work, and after spending a year in the industry I decided I’d develop a flood defence method that did work and could be rapidly deployed by one person.

“Even though I’d love for my business to be a huge commercial success, our main motivation is to help individuals at risk to obtain peace of mind – when a floods happen there is an emotional cost as well as a monetary expense to those affected. Our Floodstop barrier actually works, so I am passionate about it being in the market place and helping vulnerable people at risk – all councils should be able to provide them.”

World famous entrepreneur Elle Macpherson was backing the ‘Take One Small Step’ competition and as the nation recovers from election fever, she asked the public to cast the people’s vote for the best new business idea.

Being in business for the last thirty years and seeing her illustrious signature lingerie line go from strength to strength, Elle knows firsthand what it takes to be a budding entrepreneur and the challenges that involves. 

Elle says: “Businesses are an integral part of our local communities and the backbone of our economy. Vote now and back the business idea you think deserves to win a £50,000 boost.

“I'm delighted to be involved in the 'Take One Small Step' competition.  It creates such a fantastic opportunity for local people to get involved in business and really inspires that entrepreneurial spirit that we know is thriving in the UK.”

For more information on the winners go to www.takeonesmallstep.co.uk