Jigsaw Care Services Slayed the Dragons in the Den @Jigsawcare
The hunt for the areas next social entrepreneurs is now over as at last week a Suffolk/Norfolk and Surrey based social care group were crowned the overall winners of Richmond’s social enterprise Dragon’s Den.
Following a tense final, Lorraine Clements and Lucy Patterson, of Jigsaw Care Services Plus, went against two other candidates for the £10,000 prize package.
The finalists pitched their business proposals to a distinguished panel consisting of Sir Trevor McDonald, John Bird, the founder of the Big Issue and Anthony Thomson, Chairman of Metro Bank.
Lorraine and Lucy set up a professional social care business to support families of children and young adults with additional needs within their local areas of Suffolk/Norfolk and Surrey, a year ago. After the win was announced they were presented with a cheque for £10,000 by MP Zac Goldsmith.
Speaking after the final, at The American International University in London, Cllr Pamela Fleming, Richmond Council’s Strategic Cabinet Member for Community, Business and Culture, said:
“This Den really has bought out the best of business in terms of entrepreneurial spirit. Social entrepreneurs are so important, particularly at the moment. Everyone who has entered has been an absolute inspiration and I’m proud to be associated with business’ at the forefront of social entrepreneurship. The finalists should all be proud of themselves.”
“I’ve been very impressed by the standard of business ideas and I’m delighted by the success of the competition. I hope it inspires many more people to follow their dreams into business. A special thank you must go to all of the judging panel and the sponsors, without whom the event would not have been possible.”
Winners Lucy Patterson and Lorraine Clements of Jigsaw Care Services Plus, said:
“We’re ecstatic about being the overall winners – although the competition was fierce. We have a background in the care sector and spotted a gap in the market for providing flexible and niche quality care. Winning this will give us recognition for our efforts so far and the money and mentoring will be invaluable in helping us grow the business. We feel honoured to receive recognition from such well respected social entrepreneurs like John Bird and Anthony Thomson”
The finalists had to persuade the Dragons that their proposal was viable and sustainable, while keeping a focus on social objectives.
ENDS
