8 BAY OF PLENTY BUSINESS NEWS <strong>November</strong>/<strong>December</strong> <strong>2017</strong> Creation on the run ProCell may not have won this year’s Young Enterprise Scheme awards, which we cover in detail in this month’s Venture Centre feature on pages 16-17. But the team from Aquinas College learnt a lot on a journey and won the hearts <strong>of</strong> a lot <strong>of</strong> fans, says team member Leith Franks. ProCell, with Franks and fellow team members Taine Mcleod, Sean Mullaly, Max van der Zalm, Matthew Lowe and Callum Aubrey, came up with the idea <strong>of</strong> a single use protein pack for busy, energetic people. “Proteins are usually sold in big 2kg tubs,” says Franks. “We created a single use packet for endurance athletes who are busy, and maybe like to bike or run to work. We turned it into a bite-sized product.” The team got together to create something for its business unit at school, and took part in Mashup, at which point, says Franks, they had no idea what they were doing. “We found out we could also enter for YES, so we thought that would be fun because there are so many more things you can do, including meeting up with Venture Centre and all those entrepreneurs.” The team appreciated the no-nonsense and straightforward approach <strong>of</strong> Venture Centre’s team, in helping them understand for themselves, using all the tools, digitally and otherwise to validate what would and would not work. One <strong>of</strong> the major issues ProCell had to come to terms with was making sure their product met health and safety requirements. “We didn’t know too much about it,” says Franks. “We thought we could just make it straight away, but you had to go out and meet all these requirements regarding the kitchen. “ProCell had to create its own protein mix, and we worked through the school kitchens, which were certified for preparing food.” Taine Mcleod adds: “YES helped us realise that business was something ProCell would love to do, but that it really requires hard work and the sleeves have to always be rolled up or else we’d be in trouble and take a few hits.” The team members are all completing year 13 and will go on to other things when they leave school. “But the goal for most <strong>of</strong> us is to end up in some sort <strong>of</strong> business,” says Franks. “The process with Venture Centre and Mashup and the YES awards absolutely works. “It gives you a link up with people from other schools and entrepreneurs who are out there actually doing it. You need to be out there with other people trying to go down a similar path.” The ProCELLl team learnt a lot about starting a business from the YES awards. Photo: Venture Centre. CONFERENCE SERVICES Conference Transport Providers We can provide your transport to and from Airports, Motels, Hotels and your conference venues. We can also provide your transport to team building activities, or dining out options. We have a modern fleet <strong>of</strong> European vehicles and can cater for any size group. Phone: 0800 454 678 or +64 07 547 4444 21 Jean Batten Drive, Mt Maunganui Email: info.luxuryairportshuttles.co.nz www.luxuryairportshuttles.co.nz Email: info@royalecoachlines.co.nz Quality Coachlines & Tours www.royalcoachlines.co.nz P5633Y
BAY OF PLENTY BUSINESS NEWS <strong>November</strong>/<strong>December</strong> <strong>2017</strong> 9