Jermaine Weeks is used to coming up with ideas, in fact his business depends on it, so we asked him whether he thought sourcing a mentor was a great idea for a new enterprise,
"I think it can be really useful for helping you focus your strategy and to broaden your contact base. So far my mentor has put me in contact with a relevant business contact".
Jermaine launched his business, JW Innovation, in August 2012, after developing his own product innovations for the marketplace over a number of years. With a background in product design, Jermaine has become well practiced at the complex process of patenting, developing prototypes, product design and investment, and realised that as well as developing his own innovations he could help others going through this process too, he says,
"Setting up a business in this area is the perfect outlet for me, I've got so many ideas, why not start a business where I can develop my own ideas and help others with theirs too.".
Jermaine is primarily focusing his business on getting his own products out to the market. However he's always keen to work with people who feel that they have a brilliant idea which they want to development.
One of Jermaine's most successful innovations is a Boxercise 3D machine, a boxing exercise apparatus which uses pre recorded video instructions and 3D effects, for a realistic pad workout without a partner. The product has been patented and prototyped and is now seeking investment.
Jermaine banks with Barclays, and found out about the potential for a mentor to support him in the development of his business via his internet banking account. He applied for one, and was put in contact with Martin McPhie a senior manager from Barclaycard who has also volunteered as a mentor on this scheme. Jermaine says:
"It's early days in the relationship, but I feel like I've developed a good rapport with him, he's a nice guy and he understands what I'm trying to do with the business. Although he was initially surprised at how far down the line many of my own innovations are, it's definitely been useful for Martin to put me in touch with a companies looking for help in this area. He's helping to push my company in the right direction".