Growth Hub Is “Onitt” To Help Designers Launch App

Company Information

Ben Tayton and Alex Dresch met while studying for a degree in product design at Coventry University. After graduating from University, the duo spent months researching and preparing to launch an app based on storing all the information users would want before planning a night out. The best clubs, pubs, bars and entertainment venues post their listings, deals and promotions so that users can download the free Onitt app from the App Store.Once the name had been agreed upon, the 23-year-olds focused on learning all the different elements of running a business.

They spoke to Alan Malin at the West Midlands Incubation Programme to gain business advice and mentoring and he mentioned the funding opportunities and advice available through the Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Deal. Ben and Alex contacted Suzi Archer, the project manager for Business Innovation at the Growth Hub, and she helped them apply for a £6,000 Business Innovation grant which paid for outsourcing the backend coding element of the app.

The plan

Ben and Alex decided to concentrate on launching the app exclusively to Coventry since it is a city they know well and a suitable city size to manage in the first instance. Venues are able to upload the details of their upcoming events, exclusive offers and promotions directly to the Onitt app to speed up the process which is particularly useful for late additions to their entertainment calendars.

Ben and Alex have utilised their combined expertise of design and marketing but have made the most of the services offered by the Growth Hub to learn more about running a start-up business as well as bringing in experts with the £6,000 grant for specific elements to turn their ideas into a fully-fledged app. They have also joined the SPEED Plus project, which gives students, graduates and alumni of Coventry University the opportunity to develop a business idea alongside their studies or after graduation.

The Results

The Onitt app was launched in September 2014 and around 1,000 users downloaded the app in the initial seven weeks. The launch app is the tip of the iceberg since further additions will be made to make it slicker, more fun and interactive before the start of 2015. After concentrating on Coventry’s nightlife, Ben and Alex are hoping to extend the Onitt app to major university cities such as Birmingham, Manchester, Nottingham, Sheffield, Cardiff and Newcastle in the future.

Alex said: “The most difficult aspect so far was coming up with the name. It took us five months! “There are so many factors to the app that we found it difficult to sum it up. The phrase ‘Are you on it?’ and ‘Let’s get on it!’ is used by one of our mates before he goes on a night out and we thought people in our target audience would understand the sentiment.”

Ben added: “Setting up a business has been a learning curve and we are still learning. “The financial help and advice from Suzi has been vital in launching the app because we weren’t aware of the support that is available to help startup companies like ourselves.”

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Client testimonials

Without the Growth Hubs help and assistance, we would never have been able to increase our sales & output and also grow our local business. With this help in purchasing new equipment we have expanded our operations and gained a new and increased customer base.

Nuneaton Roof Truss,

Over the past few years, Armstrongs has built up a fantastic relationship with Gary Thyeson from the Growth Hub. His advice on grants and funding has been really valuable to both Armstrongs and some of our clients. His knowledge of local business support has been helpful in signposting us to relevant support agencies as required. We look forward to working with Laura Delahunty moving forwards.

Armstrongs Accountancy LTD,

In the short time since first engaging with the Warwickshire Growth Hub we feel that Laura has understood our vision and has been so very supportive in linking us to the specialist teams who are now supporting us with training, finance and recruitment. A great service that every growing organisation should connect with

MES Systems Limited,

I have had an excellent experience working with Laura from the Growth Hub, from day one, she was taking detailed attention to my concerns and ideas. She was able to put me in contact with different organisations and people to find out answers to my questions and help me to solve some inquiries I was having. I feel this support definitely had a positive impact in my plans.

PALACIOS LTD,

It’s been a fantastic inaugural eight months for the TalentTech Recruitment team and, although the reality of setting up and running a company can be a somewhat daunting experience, we have been extremely grateful for the superb help, advice and guidance given to us along our journey by Gavin Barnett and the team at CW Growth Hub. Gavin’s introductions to both Warwick & Coventry Universities and his wider business network have been absolutely invaluable.

TalentTech Recruitment LTD,

For many individuals out there, it is very hard to figure out ways and know which direction to go when it comes to setting up a business. The challenges of taking your idea and bringing it to life and not knowing where to go and who to speak to for advice. it can get very frustrating..

King of Saffron LTD,

This grant [which we received with the help of the Growth Hub and Coventry City Council] will really help us get on track for business growth and succeed with our vision. Personally, I would also like to thank the team for supporting me through the grant application process. You have been very approachable and attentive throughout.

Exeter Analytical (UK) Limited,

Thank you for the comprehensive and professional guidance

Burbidge & Son Ltd,

Over the years since the Growth Hub was set up we have habitually gone to our Account Manager as a one-stop shop for all business-related information. It has been a really convenient way of finding suppliers, advisors and, on one occasion, we even asked for assistance with finding customers. We are invited to a wide range of business events including business development workshops, Brexit roundtable discussions, seminars on various topics and have also been asked to speak at some events. When we have needed additional information, for example, finding finance sources or help with selecti

Marchantcain Design Limited,

Thanks to CW Growth hub getting us access to grant funding we have been able to invest in the latest computer monitoring system, which will enable us to compete with the national companies within our industry.

Comrie Leisure Limited,