A BROTHER and sister duo from the University of Worcester’s business school have scooped a £3,500 cash prize to help launch their new sustainable business after winning a Dragon’s Den-style competition.
Natalia and Krystian Burzawa pitched their idea, to collect off-cuts from UK denim manufacturers and charities and turn them into new products, to a panel of distinguished business leaders.
The Worcester Business School’s BOSS competition saw several groups of students pitching their business ideas.
Natalia and Krystian scooped the top prize, with the runner-up receiving £1,500.
Natalia said: “The idea we presented was, ‘Denim-Mined’ – a brand that collects off-cut denim material from UK denim manufacturers and charities to renew it. The renewed material will be cut and designed into templates to sew together by the customer.
“Essentially, the customer receives a denim kit to craft at home as Denim-Mined provides the material, needle, thread and instructions.
“This is an ideal educational product not only for schools across the UK, but families wanting to spend quality time with children as well as an ideal gift for someone.
“It also benefits the environment as it reduces pollution caused by clothes ending up in landfills.”
The pair are hoping the investment will cover the costs of machinery for washing used denim, website development, registering the business and marketing.
A denim-minded social media account and logo are already being developed.
The pair also aim to do more research into the idea to ensure they have enough knowledge to go further with it.
Natalia and Krystian added: “We were so thrilled to win and couldn’t believe it at first, it was an achievement we always hoped for.
“We were so excited to know our idea was recognised and that it has the potential to be successful.
“It was just so exciting, and we are so grateful for all the feedback received as well as for the investment.”
