BU Research Blog

The Business School and Centre for Entrepreneurship were delighted to welcome Simon Phelps, BU Alumni and founder of Fluvial Innovations Ltd, to the Executive Business Centre in the latest in this series of ‘Meet the Entrepreneur’ seminars.

These seminars provide an opportunity for BU students and staff to hear the personal journey of a profiled entrepreneur and learn more about their experiences as business owners and their approach to founding and growing an innovative business.

Simon Phelps founded Fluvial Innovations Ltd alongside BU in 2006 and designed, developed and patented the modular flood barrier, Floodstop. Floodstop was specifically designed to fill a gap within the market for a functional and rapidly deployable flood barrier. (www.fluvial-innovations.co.uk)

Floodstop is used throughout the UK, US and parts of Europe and won the Emergency Planners Society’s Award for Most Innovative Product of The Year 2009, was voted “The Most Innovative Product of 2009” by the Emergency Planning Society and was Winner of Climate Week – Best Climate Ready Initiative 2013.

Simon’s achievements include UK South West Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2007 and HSBC Start-Up Stars Regional Finalist 2008.

Mark Painter, Business Development Manager for the Business School commented, ‘Simon is one of our highly valued ‘Entrepreneurs in Residence’ and we very much appreciate the time he spends supporting our enterprise activities.’ Mark added, ‘It was fascinating hearing about the Floodstop story which started whilst Simon was studying at BU. One of Simon’s key messages to anyone thinking of starting their own business is to remember it is not just about selling a product or service it is about creating a profitable and sustainable business model which will require a considerable amount of time and commitment.’

The next seminar in this series of ‘Meet the Entrepreneur’ events is on Wednesday 4th May and will profile local entrepreneur, Damien Lee, founder of Mr Lee’s Noodles Company Ltd. For more information and to book your place click here www.bucfe.com/events