(L-R): Professor Brian MacCraith, President of Dublin City University; Wendy Hederman, Partner in Mason Hayes & Curran's Commercial Department; and Tina Reid, founder of Reid Recycling and winner of the Mason Hayes & Curran Green Business Plan Competition for her waste management service for the Irish equine industry, which will include collection and recycling of used bedding from stable yards.

DCU student wins prize for equine industry recycling business proposal

11/04/2012

The winner of the Mason Hayes & Curran 2012 Green Business Plan Competition has been announced at Dublin City University. Tina Reid, founder of Reid Recycling (trading as ORGAANEQ), has developed a waste management service for the Irish equine industry, which will include collection and recycling of used bedding from stable yards. The start-up will benefit from an award of â‚¬2 000 from leading law firm, Mason Hayes & Curran to assist on the next stage of its business development.

Tina's business plan has been developed through her participation in the DCU Ryan Academy Business Innovation Programme which enables unemployed graduates or professionals to create or secure employment in roles where they can encourage or implement innovative change. Tina said, "I was so thrilled to have had the opportunity to present, let alone win.... and to have such positive feedback about the idea. Winning was an unexpected surprise. The past year has been spent on the Business Innovation Programme at the DCU Ryan Academy with a view to getting this business from idea stage through feasibility towards business plan and launch. Winning will aid me in taking my first steps onto the ladder to success."

The Mason Hayes & Curran Green Business Plan competition provides a platform for enterprising students at Dublin City University to pitch their innovative, start-up business ideas to business and investment professionals. Business plans shortlisted for the final pitching session were required to demonstrate an environmentally friendly or sustainable dimension. Wendy Hederman, Partner in Mason Hayes & Curran's Commercial Department said, "We are delighted to support this innovative competition for a second year. At Mason Hayes & Curran we understand the importance of encouraging entrepreneurship and this programme is a hallmark of DCU's unique ethos, bridging the gap between academia and enterprise and enabling students to find a pathway to creating a viable, sustainable business."

Professor Brian MacCraith, President of DCU said, 'DCU strives to create an entrepreneurial, innovative environment which empowers students to shape their own future and transform their lives. I warmly congratulate Tina on her achievement and wish her every success with the commercialisation of her business plan."