Cranfield team win EBPYC with their innovative Italian dining experience

A new concept in Italian dining developed by a team of Executive MBAs from Cranfield School of Management has won the 19th European Business Plan of the Year Competition (EBPYC), which took place from 3 - 4 June.

The Cranfield team triumphed over students from top European business schools with their plan to launch a new chain of restaurants that will revolutionise the way Italian food is presented and consumed; with small, healthy, high quality, fresh versions of a number of favourite Italian dishes available for diners through a ground-breaking operational model.

The business idea was developed by Andrea Fiore, Ailish Christian, Fabrizio Virdone, Gustavo Zeidan and Tim Lederer. The restaurants, branded ‘Filici’ (meaning ‘happy’ in Sicilian), would offer customers a fun and flavoursome experience of Sicily in the UK.

The team commented: "We are very proud to have won the 2011 European Business Plan of the Year Competition. It was a wonderful opportunity to showcase our business concept in front of a prestigious panel of private investors and venture capitalists. The victory has validated months and months of hard work, and has provided the founders Andrea and Fabrizio with the impetus and credibility to make their dream come true; while Ailish, Gustavo and Tim, will bring this valuable experience back to their respective organisations Land Securities, Ernst & Young and DHL.”

The EBPYC which is designed to encourage entrepreneurship and the creation of new ventures, attracted fifteen entries from Europe’s leading business schools, from which the most commercially-promising and innovative business ideas were selected.

All teams took part in a 15 minute ‘Dragons’ Den style’ business pitch in front of an esteemed panel of judges which included: Ian Lobley (3i), Steve Lewis (Living PlanIT), John Incledon (IDJ), Nigel Grierson (Doughty Hanson), Diana Nye (Ariadne), Modwenna Rees Mogg (Angel News), David Kaye (The Emmanuelle Kaye Foundation) and Eric Brisson (Business Angel).

The Cranfield team were grilled by the judges during their first round pitch, but took on board all the comments and worked through the night to perfect their pitch for the final round in front of the judges.

Dr Stephanie Hussels from the Bettany Centre for Entrepreneurial Performance & Economics at Cranfield organised the event. She commented: The event was a great success. The standard of pitches was extremely high, all of the teams performed so well. I am delighted that the Cranfield team won, their dedication and rigour really set them apart from the competition. Following last year’s competition six businesses were launched – so watch this space for more success stories from the 2011 competition.”

Steve Lewis CEO of Living PlanIT, the world leading urban technology company, was one of the judges. He said: “The competition has gone from strength to strength with a focus on the important balance between academic excellence and industry pragmatism. Congratulations to all of the participants – they all deserve to feel pride in their collective and individual performance. The Cranfield team demonstrated deep understanding of their intended market, concept, business dynamics and purpose in proposed execution. As a technologist of many years, to be captivated (as were the other judges), by a business plan in the hospitality sector is a demonstration not only of the quality of the plan itself but a demonstration that value may be created by fantastic entrepreneurs in all sectors.”

Second place went to Imperial Business School’s team who have developed a pocket-sized, wireless ultrasound device that would make ultrasound diagnostics more accessible for all. Third place was awarded to London Business School’s team who presented the NiBBle food company, offering customers an exciting and innovative range of healthy snacks including taste boxes and dip pots.

The Sustainability Award and Elevator Pitch Award were both awarded to Vlerick Leuven Gent Management School for their Eco Tree business proposition, a pioneering forestry company that develops sustainable teak plantations in Colombia as a profitable business.

Ends

Notes to editors

For further information about ‘Filici’ please email Andrea Fiore at andrea@filici.co.uk

Photographs of the winners are available on request.

Event sponsors

Living PlanIT, The Financial Times, Newcastle Science City, Doughty Hanson, The Emmanuelle Kaye Foundation, The Doughty Centre and Edelman.

The Bettany Centre at Cranfield aims to enhance the management and understanding of performing ventures through cutting-edge entrepreneurial research, teaching and practice.

Cranfield School of Management is one of Europe’s leading university management schools renowned for its strong links with industry and business.  It is committed to providing practical management solutions through a range of activities including postgraduate degree programmes, management development, research and consultancy.    www.som.cranfield.ac.uk

For more information on Cranfield School of Management or to arrange an interview, please contact: Marie McCormack on: T: +44 (0) 1234 754425 or E: or email:  marie.mccormack@cranfield.ac.uk