Members of EnerMech’s 2013/2014 Dragon’s Glen group, EMaD (Everyone Makes a Difference), were awarded the title of Most Innovative Team at a special awards ceremony marking the end of the annual competition.
The diverse team of young professionals from across EnerMech’s business lines and support services also placed third overall in the competition after raising £10,261.76 for Children 1st, the beneficiary charity of the Dragon’s Glen competition.
EMaD consisted of Kirsteen J Bell, Anna Foster, Clark Walker, Megan Hine, John Evans, Sarah Macklin, Nikkallah Buchan, Tom Smith, Jenni Batchelor and Grant Marson. They were mentored by “Dragon” Bob Ruddiman, Partner at legal firm Pinsent Masons in Aberdeen.
EMaD were commended for the innovativeness of their product, a buff or snood type item known as the ‘Face Case’ which can be worn in several ways, including as a scarf or hat.
They were also praised for their successful Guinness World Record attempt, which was deemed a highly inventive and original way of raising awareness of the charity. The team managed to gather 7,568 stuffed animals to beat the record for having the most stuffed toys in one place at one time. The toys were then donated to various charity groups and local causes.
The Scotland-wide Dragon’s Glen competition is based on the popular BBC programme Dragon’s Den and begins with teams pitching their idea to four “Dragons” in a bid to be awarded £500 of seed funding. Over the course of six months, teams are tasked with using this initial funding to raise money for Children 1st, with the aim to raise the largest sum and show a high level of entrepreneurial skill and team work along the way.
EnerMech’s Corporate Development Director, Ingrid Stewart, said of the team: “I am delighted that the team won an award for all their efforts. Not only did they raise over £10,000 for a very worthwhile charity, but the business element of the competition has been a very valuable learning experience for them and offered a chance to work with people from other departments. Some of our team members have uncovered skills they didn’t realise they had, which have been instrumental in them progressing into new roles within our business, both in the UK and overseas.”