DJs win young entrepreneur award for in-store radio package
Gavin Payne and Brian Corish from Cork formed Fuse Broadcasting after they were inundated by requests from nightclub customers and event promoters asking them to compile specific CDs and music programmes.
The two 29-year olds saw the potential to fuse the use of radio with digital signage to allow businesses to communicate with their customers.
Their innovative marketing tool now allows shops and companies to deliver the right message to the right people, at the right time.
“People were always asking us to help put music together for their events or do a CD that could be played in a shop,” Payne said.
“Up to 75% of buying decisions are made in-store on impulse so it is important for businesses to be able to talk to their customers while they are in-store and let them know about promotions and offers.
“This high-profile award will make a huge difference to our business. It’s a great boost to our confidence.” The pair won €5,000.
Andrew Deegan and Brian Quigley of Breakout GC in Dublin took the runner-up award of €1,500.
The Shell Livewire Awards mark the culmination of six months of tough competition for entrants who must be aged between 16 and 30.
Fuse was one of eight finalists which included a children’s story publisher, a computer manufacturer and a skincare clinic.
Terry Nolan, the managing director of Shell paid tribute to all the finalists who take risks to follow their dreams in these uncertain times.
“By recognising and rewarding these young entrepreneurs we hope to encourage economic growth and a spirit of enterprise,” he said.
Minister for Labour Affairs Billy Kelleher said the finalists represent the future of Ireland’s economic success.
“They have shown the creativity, determination and drive to take forward their own personal vision and to make it work. They are an example to all,” he said.
Other awards were presented to Simon Grattan of Sengenia in Belfast, Patrick Cassidy of C3 Computers in Maghera, Northern Ireland, and Lee Tedstone of Nvolve Ltd, Letterkenny, Donegal.
The Shell Livewire awards were set up 26 years ago to help foster a spirit of entrepreneurship in young people. The programme runs in over 20 countries worldwide.
