In July, the final of Virgin Media Business #VOOM2016 competition took place. The marathon 14-week small business competition was hosted and live streamed from ITV’s Southbank HQ. #VOOM2016 showcased the 6 most inspirational businesses involved this year, all standing a chance of winning a share of the £1million prize fund.

For more than 3 months, hundreds of small businesses have been canvassing for votes, getting expert guidance and refining their pitches. For six of the best, the work paid off; as they, in front of a packed house of sponsors, supporters, and previous winners, pitched why they should win to a judging panel consisting of Sir Richard Branson, Tyra Bates, Sarah Blakely, Marcus Butler and Peter Kelly.

There were two main categories, StartUp and Grow

This year’s StartUp winner went to MacRebur. The business, one the UK’s most innovative start-ups, uses recyclable plastic wastes to solve the UK’s problem of potholes – helping taxpayers get more for their money!

Efoldi and Vibe Tickets, both great businesses in their own right, were runners-up.

This year’s Grow category was won by Bio-Bean. The award-winning, UK-based, clean technology company is the first in the world to industrialise the process of recycling waste coffee grounds into advanced biofuels, displacing conventional fuels and chemicals in the process.

Food Cloud and Sibberi Tree Water were the runners up.

Voom 2016 in numbers

20,000 entries
620,000 votes
£730,000 crowdfunded
6 finalists
2 winners
1 Guinness World Record!

Building a culture

Throughout the competition, there were a large number of 123 Reg customers fighting for the prize. We would like to congratulate them all on a job well done and you can learn more about each of them here.

#VOOM is a unique small business competition and 123 Reg were proud to be able to support our customers in this way. Virgin Media Business, through #VOOM, harnesses an inspirational start-up culture within the UK. It may be a cliche but everyone who entered is a winner. Every single business will have got something out of the competition, whether that is marketing advice, pitching advice or connecting with new customers. Everyone has something to build on.

123 Reg will continue to support businesses across the UK to realise their start-up dream and look forward to helping businesses get ready for #Voom17.

If you want to watch the whole show, check it out here