July 2011
Trust support for new
innovative product
Helen McAvoy and Naomi Kibble are launching
their innovative frozen cocktail business ROCKTAILS this week, with
support from The Prince's Trust.
The pair, both 23, who met whilst studying at
Cardiff University found themselves unemployed following a short
spell in London and were always keen to pursue a more adventurous
path by running their own business.
They spent months developing their product and,
whilst they were not short of ideas and drive, they needed help
with funding. They approached The Prince’s Trust and attended a
four-day Explore Enterprise course in November.
Helen said:
The Prince’s Trust was very supportive and
provided some great independent feedback on our ideas. It was also
really valuable to meet lots of other young business people which
provided a great opportunity for networking.
The pair
worked solidly to develop their product, ROCKTAILS, a frozen
alcoholic cocktail which contains less than 140 calories per
serving and has no artificial flavours or colourings.
Naomi said: “It was a huge challenge for us;
despite having a great idea, commercialising the product and
developing a robust supply chain was a complex task. It was great
to have such positive encouragement from The Prince’s Trust.”
The Trust gave Helen and Naomi a low interest
loan of £5,000 which was put towards buying ingredients and
packaging to kick-start the business. They have also been matched
up with a volunteer mentor who will offer support and advice to the
pair during the vital start-up period.
Although only launching the business this week,
ROCKTAILS has already been shortlisted for three national
competitions which include extremely valuable prizes such as
sponsorship from the Metro newspaper and a world leading marketing
agency for a year. Last month, they met His Royal Highness The
Prince of Wales at a The Prince’s Trust showcase event.
Helen said:
Starting the business has been daunting at
times, especially at the beginning, but we have learned so much.
Knowing we have a great product which people love and ongoing
support from The Prince’s Trust, who genuinely care about how we
are doing, is fantastic.