It’s said that everyone has a book in them, but what about a business idea? We took to the streets to find out whether we really are a nation of entrepreneurs-in-waiting. The verdict: absolutely.
Dana Jasinkevica, 25, Latvia, student
“I study fashion, but my idea isn’t related to that; what I’d love to do is make a ‘Pringle grabber’ – a cool device that grabs the last few Pringles in a tube when your hand can’t reach! I know my friends would love it.”
Dobi Kwe, 34, London, singer
“I’m a musician and one thing I’d love to do is somehow design and build a mobile recording studio, which would be so useful when you’re on the road, or if you’re short on space at home. Crucially, it would have no wires – I think a lot of musicians would agree that that would make life a lot easier.”
Jonathan Faulkner, 24, photographer
“My idea is creating electronic bicycle lanes that would open and close as and when cyclists need to use them. Then, when they’re not in use, the lane would open up for cars to use, so it would improve traffic. They would be safer than regular lanes, too.”
Nimo Hassan, 26, London, housing worker
“I’m a complete germaphobe – I’m always panicking I’ve caught germs from people and wash my hands all the time. I’d like to create some kind of scientific shield that stops germs in their tracks. It would make life so much easier for people like me, and we’d save a fortune on hand sanitiser.”
Sonia Sharma, 27, London, HR manager
“I came up with this idea recently and think it would be so useful – it’s an app linked up to an umbrella that you place over your washing line. When the weather looks dodgy, the app opens the umbrella, so any clothes on the washing line stay totally dry even when it’s pouring with rain. Genius, isn’t it?”
Hannah Lochhead, 22, Edinburgh, engineering student
“As an engineering student, I’m often thinking of how things work, or could work better. I’d like to create a ‘lipstick digger’ – a nifty tool that ensures you always get the last scrapings of lipstick out of the tube before having to throw it away; it’s impossible to use it all up otherwise.”
Kailum Harrison, 18, London, producer
“I work in music and I’d like to create some kind of social media app where people connect solely based on the music they’re listening to. Artists can also connect based on the type of music they make, and share ideas and connect on projects collaboratively. It would be really useful and hopefully result in some awesome collaborations.”
Rose Danaher, 37, Plymouth, nurse
“I’m really into old films, but it’s hard to find cinemas that show them – you end up just having to watch them at home, which is boring. I’d love to set up a film cafe that shows wonderful old films – the ones you can’t see at the cinema – and serves delicious food, so you can visit with friends and just totally unwind in a really unique setting.”
David Mook, 42, Canada, teacher
“I want to open a campsite for friends and family, to take things back to a more simple time. Anyone can visit, or even live there, but everyone has to provide a skill in return for being there. A bit like Burning Man, I guess, but long-term.”
Do you have a brilliant idea for a business that could work on ebay? Apply here to enter the ebay Doers scheme – a new initiative set up by ebay and the Guardian Labs to support up-and-coming entrepreneurs – for a chance to bring it to life
