Founder: Lex Deak
Website: www.familyfridge.co.uk

After receiving a Facebook friend request from his mum, Lex realised the social network wasn’t the most appropriate place to interact with immediate family online. In response he set up a company offering online space to help families better organise and connect their households. The company, which featured on the Dragons’ Den Online programme, generates income through affiliate sales. Lex believes Family Fridge has significant potential as a marketplace for motoring, insurance, groceries and entertainment companies.

Founder David Carter
Website www.theappfactory.co.uk

The App Factory develops mobile apps across a range of platforms including Apple’s store and Google Android. David started the business while still at college and employs student developers as and when the commissions come in. So far the company has developed an extensive range of its own apps as well as commissioned ones for devices such as the iPhone, iPad, Blackberry and Amazon Kindle. David still runs the business from his bedroom and has funded growth through savings and part-time jobs.

Founders: Dalvinder Cheema and Mary Ashman
Website: www.kissmecupcakes.co.uk

Providing handmade personalised cupcakes for all events and occasions, Kiss Me Cupcakes was started by Dalvinder and Mary who have backgrounds in care work and the NHS. They spotted the potential in the idea after coming across a similar offering in Australia and believed it could take off in the UK. Now with three stockists in Birmingham city centre, regular slots at farmers’ markets and a listing as one of the top ten cupcake companies in the UK by the Guardian, there are plans to open the first outlet of Kiss Me Cupcakes in the next 12 months…

Founders: Caroline Swarbrick and Marie De Ryck
Website: www.questionwhy.co.uk

The company offers an affordable, ethical and trend driven design service focusing on homewares and fashion accessories. The founders of questionwhy work with businesses creating product collections designed with a commitment to FairTrade and eco-friendly production methods. Eco designers Caroline and Marie found the germ for their idea on a volunteer trip to Nepal. There they worked with a FairTrade company, designing fashion collections as part of an employment initiative to prevent human trafficking.

Since returning home in March 2008, they have developed the questionwhy company alongside working for Oxfam GB, which informs their FairTrade and development knowledge. The pair also sell their own questionwhy fashion collections online.

Founder: Lucian Tarnowski
Website: www.bravenewtalent.com

The brainchild of Lucian, Brave New Talent allows candidates to connect directly with employers through social media. The service allows individuals to form relationships with potential future employers prior to the job application stage. The company has offices in both London and Mumbai and existing clients include global blue-chip firms such as Tesco and Allen & Overy. Lucian has already attracted significant investment for the company and in 2009 was named Europe’s youngest Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum.

Founders: Marcus Carter and Roger Saunt
Website: www.vfmuk.com

Farmers’ markets have become increasingly popular attractions over the past few years so it’s little wonder Marcus and Roger’s online version has been so well received. Marcus first came up with the idea while on his stall at the Kings Road Farmers Market in London.

The online market allows users to ‘meet’ the producers via video streams detailing how the produce is made or grown, and allows customers to buy from multiple vendors with just one delivery fee.

Founders: Carlo Montesanti, Jessie Jowers, Dr Adam Hart
Website: www.globalbeeproject.org

Based in Gloucestershire, but with a global outlook and multicultural set of founders, the Global Bee Project is a social enterprise which raises awareness around protecting endangered bee species at home and abroad. The venture provides educational workshops, bee-related merchandise, and exhibitions and has created a global network of ‘Bee Guardians’.

The Global Bee Project also designs and builds bespoke living sculptures which double up as artworks and provide protected habitats and pollination resources. In addition Carlo, Jessie and Adam were chosen to exhibit as part of the Royal Society’s 350th anniversary celebrations.

Founder: Adeline Towers
Website: www.weaniebeans.com

Frustrated with the number of cafés that didn’t offer the quality she had come to expect, former Whittard of Chelsea merchandiser Adeline wanted to buy coffee from people who were as passionate about what made it into the cup as she was. So she set up Weanie Beans: a café ‘without walls’, Weanie Beans travels around markets and festivals selling FairTrade organic coffees. With an average of 350 customers a week, Weanie Beans patrons are mostly residents keen to help the local economy. Being shortlisted for The Sun’s ‘Back Local’ campaign has boosted the business tremendously, and for the next 12 months, Weanie Beans is aiming for 30% growth.

Founders: Emma-Jayne Parkes and Viviane Jaeger
Website: www.squidlondon.com

Inspired by the paintings of Jackson Pollock, SquidLondon developed an umbrella which changes colour in the rain. Launched in January 2009, Squid won runner up for the Deutsche Bank Award and has since linked up with the London College of Fashion.

Emma-Jayne and Viviane say help from the likes of NCGE and Flying Start has made all the difference. Having recently launched an e-commerce site the pair now plan to create more products and further develop their umbrella designs.

Founder: Kirsten Jack
Website: www.ecoconcierge.org

As an associate of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment, it’s fair to say Kirsten knows about sound environmental practice. Her company, Eco Concierge, launched in January 2009 and aims to take the hassle out of going green for business and personal clients. She creates and implements bespoke, fit-for-purpose ethical programmes that connect well-intentioned but busy individuals with green living.

According to research, some four out of five people in the UK would like to be more environmentally aware, but only one of those is actually living the way they would like to. This is the large market Kirsten hopes to serve.