Business Plan Competition

Judging Panel

We are grateful to the people who generously give up a day of their time to be on the judging panel for the competition and assess the finalists' business plans and presentations.

Judging Panel 2012

Judges - Business Start Up Category

Paul Clarkson, PA2C Ltd/Entrepreneur-in-Residence - Chair

Paul runs his own business consultancy - PA2C Ltd, which provides a range of services to SMEs and individuals in the business-to-business sector. PA2C's services in business management and process improvement enable a busines to move further, faster. Paul has an extensive senior management career in sales, marketing and operations management, including 10 years on Boards of FTSE 100 subsidiaries and owner-managed businesses.

Tim Wrathall, The Navitas Partnership

Tim has a professional background in sales, marketing, team and account management. Tim's business - The Navitas Partnership - provides total energy solutions to industry professionals, landlords and property owners.

Duncan Nicholas, Target Accountants

As Head of Business Services in the Bath Office, Duncan leads a team of 15 people to deliver business advice and proactive financial outsourcing to the SME market, alongside core compliance services. Target offers commercially minded business advice, carrying out the traditional year-end work efficiently but always with an eye on strategic planning and the future. With experience of due diligence, SME corporate finance, financial systems reviews and various other project work, Duncan delivers all-round advice to small businesses.

Joanna Leaning, Pulteney Arms / Cloth of Gold

As well as being joint director of the Pulteney Arms in Bath, Joanna has successfully set up and run her own specialist dress fabric business 'Cloth of Gold'. The business expanded to include mail order, a craft department, classes and second shop, at which point Joanna took the opportunity to sell business.

Judges - Enterprise Idea Category

Adam Powell, Bath Spa University - Chair

As Head of Employability at Bath Spa, Adam is responsible for Bath Spa Careers and developing a new, coordinated and integrated approach to employability across the University. This includes co-curricular and extra-curricular career development learning opportunities, and developing links with employers.

John Hector, Entrepreneur-in-Residence

An experienced business adviser and mentor, specialising in the arts, voluntary and creative industries sectors, John works in partnership with individuals and organisations to help them learn and grow. John runs his own consultancy practice, offering 1-2-1 coaching and training services.

Abdullah Ali-Ahmadi, Entrepreneur-in-Residence

For the past 22 years, Abdullah has worked as a transformational trainer, facilitator and management consultant. Over 25 organisations have included him as Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Director, adviser or Board member. He is founder of The Global Circle of Peace and SARE (Support for Afghan Refugees). Abdullah is also a Fellow of the Institute of Business Consultants.

Rosanna Campbell, Musica

Rosanna is Music graduate from Bath Spa and the winner of the 2010 business plan competition. Rosanna continued her business - Musica - after graduation. Musica offers workshops and performances to older adults in care settings. The business had grown to the extent that Rosanna is now employing Bath Spa graduates and is considering options for expanding throughout and beyond the South West region.