Tom's Idea...
Tom Stevenson, 33, from Leeds has devised a business plan to get even the most discerning taste buds sizzling! Since setting up a family run printing business, Tom has flexed his entrepreneurial muscles by creating gift-based website www.nelliestore.co.uk. He has successfully secured partnerships with high street retailers such as Debenhams. Keen to put his latest idea into action, Tom entered the Global Startup Challenge with an idea that combines his two great passions, food and business.
Tom plans to produce a website for those who love to BBQ. The site aims to elevate the humble BBQ into a special occasion and will deliver tips, tricks and recipes to meat hungry consumers. There will be video demonstrations on everything from grilling the perfect steak to cooking a turkey on the BBQ - his top tip for Christmas! Tom will source BBQs and accessories from Alibaba.com and will sell them via his site to anyone that shares his view that BBQs should not be confined to summer!
Tom's business plan
Using his aptly named website, www.baregrills.co.uk, Tom hopes to sell BBQs and all related paraphernalia to BBQ novices and experts alike. The website will be promoted online and Tom plans to utilise the network of users already subscribed to his online gift website. Gifts for men will be highlighted through media relations with regional and consumer media. Additionally, Tom plans to target food related bloggers with a social media campaign aimed at driving traffic to the website.
To deliver his own demanding sales targets, Tom intends to use new and unique products that are currently unavailable to attract a wide range of user and potential buyer. Long term plans for marketing the website and the products available include developing retail partners and a referral programme with other traders.
What Tom Says...
I deserve to win because I feel I am doing a service to the British public, enthusing them with great ideas and cooking techniques that will keep them coming back for more. There is a gap in the market for the gourmet BBQer which I intend to fill. What man wouldn’t want a BBQ tool-belt, filled with rubs, sauces and utensils? These are the kind of products I intend to bring the public. This will be a fun, accessible business that wants to interact with the audience. Vote for me - I’m putting the ‘eat’ back in to meat - your BBQs will never be the same again...
Tom’s stage of the challenge
