Class of 2014 Events graduate Helen Statham has recently started an exciting new job with Carlisle based Fika Apps, a web and app development company based in Carlisle and set up only in 2016.
Helen recently got in touch to tell us all about the fantastic competition the company currently have running, Pitch Fika. “We're giving away a share of our £100,000 prize fund and the chance to develop your app idea for free.” Explains Helen. “Our aim at Fika Apps is to dispel the myth that you need to understand code if you want to get into apps. It's not true; it's all about having that amazing idea.”
Helen is their digital media executive, she says: "I joined Fika Apps in November and I've loved project managing the Pitch Fika app competition. It's given me an opportunity to work on creative approaches to SEO, content marketing, PPC and social media."
Helen is not the only alumnus on the Fika Apps team There's also class of 2010 Dan Matthews, a Multimedia graduate and Ben Walton, class of 2013 Graphic Design.
Dan is a developer at Fika Apps, says: "I've been a member of the Fika Apps team since the company was founded in 2016. At the moment I'm working on some really interesting projects and it's great to see some of the original app ideas coming through our Pitch Fika competition."
Ben, who is a graphic designer at Fika, says: "At Fika Apps I've had the opportunity to work on a diverse range of app ideas and web design concepts; it's both interesting and challenging."
The company promotes collaborative working and embraces the Swedish social institution of which they're named after - fika means always making time for coffee and cake.
The app and web development company is opening up the Pitch Fika contest for entries from all over the UK until 3 March.
Picking the final five Pitch Fika entrants will be a panel of experts that include Cumbrian entrepreneur and BBC’s The Apprentice candidate, Rebecca Jeffery, and CEO of Simply Good Food TV app, Peter Sidwell.
With eleven members of The Panel, including Rachel Davis from marketing app Hurree, Stuart Frank, CEO of conversion software Wishloop, and Grant Smith, partner at Armstrong Watson partner, the aim of the competition is to seek out and support ambitious businesses and individuals with their app ideas.
The competition finalists will be invited to a Dragon’s Den style pitching event in Carlisle later this year where they will present their app proposals to the final judges.
Jonathan Lowe, founder of Fika Apps, said: “Pitch Fika a fantastic opportunity for anyone that’s ever thought ‘there should be an app for that.’
“Whether it’s an app that could revolutionise your business, something you’ve already started working on but want to take to the next level, or it’s still only an idea you’ve scribbled down - this competition is for you.
Pitch Fika is open for entries until Friday, 3 March. The final Pitch Fika judges will be announced later in the year.
For terms and conditions, the full panel line-up and details of how to apply visit www.fikaapps.com/pitch