Brighton University students compete in Tiger's Pen business competition

Business students from Brighton University pitched their original ideas to a panel of local business owners for the contest to help inform their final year dissertations.

The event called Tiger's Pen was organised by the Sussex Business Show at Elm House in Brighton.

The students pitched their concepts and business plans in groups to the panel of business leaders, and had to convey how they will be ethical and sustainable, as well as what their unique selling point is.

When they are finished the "Tigers" can ask questions about the concept and offer feedback.

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If a Tiger feels an idea is exceptional they can offer real monetary investment and help mentor them.

Paul Britton, 38, of Britton and Time Solicitors was invited to judge the event.

He said: "I think the students all really enjoyed it and their lecturers all did as well.

"It gave them a real world perception of what business is actually like. It was really enjoyable."

Two awards were given out during the event, one for best concept and one for best pitch.

Paul Britton. Photo: Stephen Lawrence

The Best Concept Award went to the Night Saver app, which is an app that allows first year students to type in their new university area and see reviews and safety ratings of range of different venues.

It also allows users to be able to share their location with others and call for assistance from their own network of users.

The Tigers were impressed with the idea and its relevancy following the rise in drink spikings.

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The Best Pitch Award went to the group whose idea was an app that parents can install on their children's phones and keep an eye on their social media use.

Students pitched a variety of different concepts including Bambootilicious underwear, a photographer commissioning app for specific photo needs, and an all purpose bedside table with built in speakers and charging ports.

Mr Britton commented on why events like this are so important.

He said: "Sometimes business concepts aren't all about the concept itself but its more about the individual that is pitching.

"So, it's an opportunity to look for talent and then nurture that into something more substantial - not only for them but their business creates opportunity for other people as well."

He added that helping young people get their start is important to his firm and is something they try to do as often as possible.

The official Tiger's Pen event will take place in May as part of the annual Sussex Business Show and will see both students and start-up companies compete in a similar way.