"Entrepreneurs' Pitch" - The first of our events in partnership with Bird & Bird

We’re delighted to be hosting, in partnership with Bird & Bird, a new series of “Entrepreneurs’ Pitch” events at their London office on New Fetter Lane. We are welcoming exceptional new hospitality-related concepts and are delighted to be supporting new entrepreneurial innovators, who are working hard to hone their proposals as they seek to attract investors, clients, partnerships and advice.
At our first event on Wednesday 29th March five entrepreneurs, Igor Gourari, Philippa Roberts, Brian Riordan, Patrick McDermott and Christian Eckelmann, presented their business proposals to a panel of judges, followed by a lively audience Q&A – which made an exciting and engaging event.

On arrival, London Tea Exchange provided delicious welcome tea, showcasing white, yellow, green, oolong, black and herbal teas from all over the globe.

Igor Gourari kicked off the event with LEV, a social network for dog owners. Incorporating an interactive map showing dog friendly hotels, cafes, and restaurants with the opportunity to invite other users and their dog for a playdate.

Philippa Roberts took to the stage next, with Binit. Next generation, tech-led, waste and recycling solutions. Providing a smart, responsive waste and recycling service using data, analytics and a unique collection network.

Brian Riordan for Ritrovo followed. Ritrovo’s aim is to be the global hospitality industry’s knowledge and communities sharing platform that inspires the next generation of Leaders, using immersive digital learning and subject matter experts.

Patrick McDermott introduced DigiTally fourth. Discussing lowering food waste and increasing profit through one easy step – making the stocktaking process simpler.

The pitches were concluded with Upstreet. Christian Eckelmann pre-recorded a presentation all the way from Australia to tell us all about how to create genuine engagement & loyalty with your customers and employees through share (equity) rewards.

Just when we thought all the excitement was over, London Tea Exchange provided entrepreneurs, advisors and our clients with the 4th generation tea that King Charles will have for his Coronation later this year.

The Entrepreneurs’ pitches raised a number of questions for consideration.

• The average age of a CEO today is 62. This naturally means the greatest exodus of knowledge we have ever known in the next 5 years. How do we cope with is?
• Overall benefit schemes have fallen by close to 70% in past 25 years. Has this naturally impacted on retention?
• Why is it that often consumers feel that the tea served is often the worst part of afternoon tea, can this be changed? Do we really know enough about tea?
• For many dog owners they meet new people via their walks with dogs. Isn't it logical to therefore see social networks emerge around dog ownership?
• One would be surprised how few businesses digitally control and manage their stock and inventory?
• How can waste management improved and be more sustainable?

These and other questions were pondered during the session, creating a fascinating event, seeing start-ups from overseas entrepreneurs who are looking to tap into the UK market and its investors.

Look out for news of the next event, which we hope to host in June 2023.