Dragons won’t deter entrepreneur Osman (From Warrington Guardian)
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Dragons Den won’t deter entrepreneur Osman Gulum
1:10pm Friday 21st September 2012 in News
THE owner of a chippy took a break from his day job when he appeared on hit BBC television show Dragons’ Den.
Osman Gulum, who owns the Greenwood Fryer on Marsh House Lane, was pitching his own invention – the flower fountain, a machine that shoots out real flower petals.
He said: “I was excited but a little nervous because of all the cameras. I loved the atmosphere with all the dragons and their business acumen.
“It was a really good experience.”
The 42-year-old designed the flower fountain in 2010 after watching the programme.
“I was watching Dragon’s Den and wanted to invent something that would create jobs and business for people.
“I did some market research and there was nothing out there. This is the first time I’ve invented something.”
Osman, of Oxmead Close, Padgate, made it past 10,000 applicants to be one of 100 to make it on to the show.
He did not secure any cash but said his invention was well received.
“I got good feedback from Duncan Bannatyne who said that because it’s a prototype at the moment it would cost too much money to make it work but he would buy one for one of his hotels.
“It’s for grand openings, catwalks, weddings, any kind of celebration.”
The budding entrepeneur met with a manufacturer in London last week to discuss the production of the flower fountain.
He will pay £500 for each unit to be made, with 50 initially on order. A website is also being designed where the machine can be bought or hired.
Osman, who paid $1,750 to secure the flower fountain’s name, believes it will be a success.
“I have been to wedding exhibitions and everybody loves it,” he added.
Comments(4)
Daz@SankeyviaOrford
says...
9:10am Sat 22 Sep 12
osmangulum
says...
12:45pm Tue 25 Sep 12
Duncan Bannatyne did state that he would have one for his hotel - if the impact the product made was more spectacular. You have to understand that the prototype that I took into the Den is not the finished article and improvements have and are continuing to be made on the design.
I was also the final entrepreneur to enter the Den, not only on the day but also for the series. After 9 hours of filming the Dragons, rightfully so, were tired and I dont feel that I had the opportunity to fully express my business model and the potential market.
I paid $1,750 for the domain name flowerfountain.com - this is because the intention is to sell the product on an international scale. Although this seems expensive, and seems Daz although a 'fool and his money are easily parted', should the product become successful on this level then that price constitutes a bargain, in comparison to the price I may have had to pay for it in the future should someone else have taken it already.
I still believe that this is a product that has the capability to appeal to a large audience. It is not a large party popper as you put it, but a focal point to act as a spectacle for large celebratory moments. Particularly at weddings, hence the fact it can shoot flower petals (amongst other items). The wedding industry in the UK alone is worth billions and with an average spend of near £20,000 per wedding the potential for this product, once further developed, is massive.
I appreciate your comments and any feedback is welcomed. However, I think my achievements in business to date already reflect that your 'fool and his money' comment is far from accurate. Thanks.
osmangulum
says...
12:45pm Tue 25 Sep 12
Duncan Bannatyne did state that he would have one for his hotel - if the impact the product made was more spectacular. You have to understand that the prototype that I took into the Den is not the finished article and improvements have and are continuing to be made on the design.
I was also the final entrepreneur to enter the Den, not only on the day but also for the series. After 9 hours of filming the Dragons, rightfully so, were tired and I dont feel that I had the opportunity to fully express my business model and the potential market.
I paid $1,750 for the domain name flowerfountain.com - this is because the intention is to sell the product on an international scale. Although this seems expensive, and seems Daz although a 'fool and his money are easily parted', should the product become successful on this level then that price constitutes a bargain, in comparison to the price I may have had to pay for it in the future should someone else have taken it already.
I still believe that this is a product that has the capability to appeal to a large audience. It is not a large party popper as you put it, but a focal point to act as a spectacle for large celebratory moments. Particularly at weddings, hence the fact it can shoot flower petals (amongst other items). The wedding industry in the UK alone is worth billions and with an average spend of near £20,000 per wedding the potential for this product, once further developed, is massive.
I appreciate your comments and any feedback is welcomed. However, I think my achievements in business to date already reflect that your 'fool and his money' comment is far from accurate. Thanks.
the dr who says...
5:47pm Fri 21 Sep 12