THANKS . . . Toby McCartney, of Macrebur
Gordon Reid, of Waterbeck, Toby McCartney and Nick Burnett, both of Eaglesfield, are celebrating securing a coveted place in the next stage of the Virgin Voom business competition following a massive public vote.
Their firm Macrebur and their concept for recycled roads this week came sixth out of 9000 entrants.
The trio are now preparing to go to the capital next Wednesday evening to pitch to a Virgin panel. They will get just three minutes to sell their idea, which involves using waste plastics in road construction.
And they hope to catch the judges’ attention and get further in the contest, ultimately winning a share of a £1 million prize pot and a meeting with millionnaire entrepreneur Richard Branson.
The friends are delighted at the local support for their recycled roads idea, which they started working on and testing earlier this year.
Marketing expert Toby said: “We are amazed at the messages and backing we have received so far. People genuinely seem to love our concept and really got behind us in round one.
“Now it’s up to us to convince the Virgin panel and secure some investment.”
Civil engineer Gordon added: “We can’t believe we made the Voom shortlist, beating so many other companies. As far as we know, we’re the only ones from Dumfries and Galloway that got through, so we’ll be flying the flag for our region in London.”
And wastes expert Nick said: “Thanks to all who voted.”
All the shortlisted pitches will be streamed live at www.vmbvoom.com as they happen on June 1 and 2 with Macrebur appearing between 5-7pm.
