New business Families In Touch (FiT) formed as a result of a gem of an idea, a device which enables elderly people who are separated from their family to keep in touch with them more easily using an incredibly easy and versatile digital platform.
The device would enable elderly
people to feel less isolated from their loved ones as they would be able to look at photos,videos and messages from family members no matter how far away they might be.
After initial research, Steve Goddard, Ritch Partridge and Mark McEvoy developed an easy to use
prototype which they have demonstrated in various Care Homes with great feedback from staff and residents alike.
FiT contacted CIDA for assistance in taking the product to market. The company had people skilled in technology, design and business but they lacked the contacts in the relevant fields to help them develop the idea into a fully fledged business proposition. The CIDA enterprise coach helped clarify their strategic plan, helped them to devise a formal business plan and introduced them to a wide range of relevant contacts.
Steve Goddard, Director FiT, commented, “It was incredibly helpful to have the insight of
Anamaria [CIDA coach and CEO of CIDA] who challenged our preconceived ideas. This forced us to justify our business proposition which was an invaluable exercise before we pitched to potential investors.”
The company also found the CIDA Innovation tool COSTAR a useful process. COSTAR is a money saving tool that teases out the good ideas from the bad before any money is invested. It also enables fantastic pitches to be constructed.
FiT used COSTAR to prepare a pitch to The Advanced Digital Institute, where on going discussions concerning investment in the future of FiT are now taking place.
FiT have set up an office at the DMC, one of Barnsley’s Enterprise Hubs and have plans for a new website. Depending on when they can secure funding, they hope to launch their product in September 2010 with the potential of supplying Care Homes UK wide with their device.
FiT also have the exciting prospect of taking the product overseas at some point in the future.
The device would enable elderly
people to feel less isolated from their loved ones as they would be able to look at photos,videos and messages from family members no matter how far away they might be.
After initial research, Steve Goddard, Ritch Partridge and Mark McEvoy developed an easy to use
prototype which they have demonstrated in various Care Homes with great feedback from staff and residents alike.
FiT contacted CIDA for assistance in taking the product to market. The company had people skilled in technology, design and business but they lacked the contacts in the relevant fields to help them develop the idea into a fully fledged business proposition. The CIDA enterprise coach helped clarify their strategic plan, helped them to devise a formal business plan and introduced them to a wide range of relevant contacts.
Steve Goddard, Director FiT, commented, “It was incredibly helpful to have the insight of
Anamaria [CIDA coach and CEO of CIDA] who challenged our preconceived ideas. This forced us to justify our business proposition which was an invaluable exercise before we pitched to potential investors.”
The company also found the CIDA Innovation tool COSTAR a useful process. COSTAR is a money saving tool that teases out the good ideas from the bad before any money is invested. It also enables fantastic pitches to be constructed.
FiT used COSTAR to prepare a pitch to The Advanced Digital Institute, where on going discussions concerning investment in the future of FiT are now taking place.
FiT have set up an office at the DMC, one of Barnsley’s Enterprise Hubs and have plans for a new website. Depending on when they can secure funding, they hope to launch their product in September 2010 with the potential of supplying Care Homes UK wide with their device.
FiT also have the exciting prospect of taking the product overseas at some point in the future.
Latest News
15 June 2010
Barnsley Firm Gets Ready to Market with the Support of Innovation Coaching
