Huish, in partnership with Taunton Chamber of Commerce, proudly hosted its 2026 Dragons’ Den competition on Thursday 23rd of April.
This year’s event, the largest ever, saw 24 ambitious teams of A Level Business students competing to present the most innovative business idea or product, with a focus on developing a unique selling point (USP), identifying target markets, conducting market research, analysing competitors, developing a marketing campaign and planning detailed costings.
The competition highlighted the exceptional talent and creativity of the students, impressing the panel of Dragons with the high quality of pitches.
The event was launched by Bethan Turner, Membership and Events Manager at Taunton Chamber of Commerce, who offered insightful advice on how to develop entrepreneurial skills and deliver a strong business pitch, providing initial inspiration for the students.
Dragons, composed of business representatives and industry specialists, provided invaluable advice, posed challenging questions, and offered constructive feedback to the teams.
Four teams of students went through to the final and demonstrated an impressive range of innovative ideas tackling social, environmental and health‑related challenges:
- Side Quest presented an app designed to encourage young people to spend more time outdoors and socialise through engaging real‑world challenges.
- Shelter Spin showcased a sustainable, solar‑powered washing line system featuring a slow‑spinning mechanism that protects clothes from rain while still allowing them to dry outdoors.
- Grip Stick, who took second place overall, introduced a practical mobility aid combining a walking stick with an integrated pick up tool, designed to support individuals with mobility issues and promote greater independence.
- The overall winning business idea, Exhale, presented by Julian Barnes, impressed the Dragons with its smart vape‑reduction device that supports users in gradually cutting down and eventually quitting vaping by monitoring nicotine concentration and tracking puff usage through intelligent technology.
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- Bethan Turner with winner Exhale (Julian Barnes)
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- Bethan Turner with runners-up Grip Stick
Congratulations to the winning and highly commended teams, and well done to all participants for demonstrating such creativity, innovation and business acumen.
Huish would like to thank Bethan Turner and the Taunton of Chamber Commerce panel: Vickie Robbins – Taunton Brewhouse, Karen Gascoigne – Solace Business Management, Lisa Palmer – Imprints, Paul Pimlott – OEDDA, Gareth Davies – GD Media, Kate Shawcross – Porter Dodson, Sharon Grant – Daffodil PR & Communications, Livvi Grant – Daffodil PR & Communications, Helen Franklin – Free to Lead, Stuart Martin – Ethical Sales Pro, Emma Keene – Talking Stick Digital, Jodie Farkas – Lentells Accountants and Brian Stonman – Academy ICT.
