A DUMFRIESSHIRE firm is a step closer to winning a share of a £1 million prize pot after it was shortlisted out of 9000 entries in a business competition.
Gordon Reid, 36, of Waterbeck; Toby McCartney, 38, and Nick Burnett, 39, both of Eaglesfield, are through to the next stage of the national Virgin Voom contest following a massive public vote.
Their new company, Macrebur, this week came sixth out of 9000 entrants and the three men will head to London next Wednesday to pitch their recycled roads venture to a judging panel.
They hope their idea for using waste plastics in road construction will then be selected for the final stages of the competition, which involve workshops and ultimately a pitch to the millionaire entrepreneur and Virgin founder Richard Branson.
The trio are thrilled at the local support for their concept, which they created and started testing earlier this year.
Civil engineer Gordon said: “We can’t believe we made the Voom shortlist, beating so many others. We’re looking forward to the next round now.”
Toby, a marketing expert, added: “People genuinely seem to love our idea. Now we hope we can also convince the Virgin panel to back us too.”
And wastes expert Nick said: “Thanks to all who voted. The support has been immense.”
Macrebur’s pitch will be streamed live from London at www.vmbvoom.com next Wednesday evening between 5-7pm.
