Travis Perkins launches tech accelerator programme

Travis Perkins has launched the 'BreakThru accelerator programme' to support startup businesses grow through partnership and investment.

Part of a TP group-wide initiative, covering 22 of their brands including Wickes, the company says accelerator format was chosen to operate alongside other innovation initiatives to give internal teams exposure to entrepreneurial thinking and new products.

Among a range of areas, Travis Perkins are looking to work with startups that can help improve health and safety for its colleagues and customers, while also trying to digitise various aspects of their businesses processes to offer a more streamlined customer service.

BreakThru will allow successful startups to validate their business ideas with the UK’s largest supplier of building materials over the course of a 11-week partnership development programme. The programme is being run in collaboration with L Marks, a corporate innovation specialist and early stage investor, providing a number of benefits to startups, including:

• Mentorship from senior leadership at Travis Perkins and subject-matter experts from across the sector
• Access to Travis Perkins scale and network, covering 22 businesses with over 2,000 branches and stores across the UK
• Development opportunities and product validation
• Pilot opportunities in Travis Perkins stores and networks
• Chance to pitch from investment from L Marks and Travis Perkins

John Carter, chief executive of Travis Perkins, said: “We are very excited to launch our first accelerator programme at Travis Perkins. Our goal is to provide a seamless customer experience through harnessing the latest innovations and ideas brought by startups. We hope the startups who join us can challenge us internally, while we also hope to provide them with the expertise and support to take their product or solution to the next level.”

Chairman of L Marks, Stuart Marks said: “The opportunity to partner with the UK’s largest supplier of building materials is a unique and exciting challenge. This is a sector that has huge potential for innovation and together with Travis Perkins we want to find solutions that can provide an even better service for customers. The scale of Travis Perkins and its businesses also gives startups the ideal platform to validate their product or service.”

Applications are open until midnight Wednesday 2nd August 2017.

Source: Insight DIY Team & Travis Perkins

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