The Verdict Is In: Apex Innovate Names Its First Ever Winners

 

The search for Apex's next great idea has come to an end. After attracting 40 submissions from across the business and an extensive judging process, Apex Innovate reached its dramatic conclusion as five finalists pitched their ideas to the Directors in a Dragons' Den-style showdown.

 

Launched to encourage colleagues across the business to contribute ideas that support Apex's strategic objectives, Apex Innovate challenged employees to think differently, identify opportunities and present ideas capable of delivering meaningful business impact. The response exceeded expectations, with 40 submissions received from across multiple departments. Following the submission period, every entry was anonymised and independently scored by the Directors before being narrowed down to a shortlist of just five finalists.

[Apex Directors as Apex Innovate Judges, or Dragons]

 

The finalists were invited to present their ideas in person to the judging panel, where they outlined their proposals, demonstrated the potential value to the business and answered questions from the Directors.

 

Following an exceptionally competitive final, Lawrence Waller and Samantha Knowles were crowned the inaugural Apex Innovate champions. Maddie Barnes secured second place, while Louis Downes claimed third after impressing the judges with their innovative submissions.

[Apex Innovate Winners, Left to Right: 3rd Place Louis Downes, 2nd Place Maddie Barnes and 1st Place Lawrence Waller & Samantha Knowles]

 

Their pitches encompassed strategies focusing on developments in AI and product training, as well as rewards systems.

 

While only three entries could take home prizes, Apex Innovate showcased something even more valuable: the creativity, ambition and expertise that exists throughout the business. The competition demonstrated that great ideas can come from anywhere, providing colleagues with a platform to help shape the future of Apex and contribute directly to its continued success.

 

Competition winner Lawrence Waller reflected on his experience participating:

 

“I am sure I speak for all the finalists when I say that it was a little nerve-racking walking into the boardroom to present our ideas, facing both the Directors and the marketing team’s camera. However, it proved to be an enjoyable experience (with only a few bloopers along the way), and it was great to have the opportunity to take part in this inaugural competition.”

 

As the first edition of Apex Innovate comes to a close, the competition has already achieved its core objective of encouraging fresh thinking, challenging convention and empowering employees to play an active role in driving continuous improvement across the business. Numerous ideas submitted throughout the process will continue to provide inspiration and opportunities for future development, ensuring the impact of Apex Innovate extends well beyond the final itself.