Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Young business
An independent panel of Kentbased judges has ranked the best young business minds in the county. The Top 30 under 30 have been revealed, and includes six exciting entrepreneurs from the Canterbury district.
George Edwards, 20, from Canterbury, Originally part of an A-level engineering project at the city’s King’s School, George’s innovative product soon caught the eye of Sir Richard Branson.
Gas Sense tracks how much gas is left in a canister and sends a message to the owner’s smart phone, explaining how much fuel is left and estimating when it will run out.
George raised £15,000 through a successful crowdfunding campaign before attracting a £19,000 Virgin Start-up Loan.
He was invited to meet Sir Richard, who described him as a “brilliant example of an entrepreneur making real headway”. A US retailer recently bought 450,000 units.
Amy Mcmanus, 28, Canterbury A specialist in mobile websites, Amy’s marketing agency, AM Marketing, has gained Google partner status.
A freelance consultant for 18 months, she launched her business in September 2013, winning a 14-month campaign with ferry operator DFDS Seaways.
Her firm was a winner at the Kent Independent Traders Awards, where it was named Marketing and PR Business of the Year.
Piperis Filippaios, 28, Canterbury Piperis is the only digital marketing agency boss to make it into the top 10.
He started his first business aged 13, running a website-hosting service for friends.
After graduating with a distinction from Kent Business School at the University of Kent, he launched utargeting, which he changed to Digital Beans.
An expert in SEO, his firm is also an official Google partner.
Kelly Culver, 19, Canterbury Kelly started as a social media and digital marketing executive for Fruitbowl Media, then decided to set up her own business after seeing the audio technology used at SXSW festival in Texas.
She founded Violet Vibes last year, selling personalised and patterned Bluetooth speakers.
Her website doubles up as a blog on up-and-coming musicians and bands.
Anna Greenhalgh, 28, Herne Bay Anna is the owner and principal of Hasland Dance Studios, one of only a few in Kent to have recognised status with the Council for Dance Education and Training.
She is responsible for a team of 10 teachers and administrative staff, and approximately 300 students.
As well as teaching ballet, modern and tap, she is the UK representative for Reach USA Talent in New York City.
Sophie Quinton-jones, 25, Herne Bay Sophie is the creative director and founder of live entertainment firm, 5 Star Live, which supplies performers to corporate events.
She has worked professionally as a dancer since she was 19 and graduated from the Urdang Academy in London.
Her company has performed shows in Monte Carlo and EXCEL in London.
Her auditions are done from a “performer’s point of view” to take away the ruthless aspect of working in the entertainment industry.