Audioboo CEO set to launch search for future pro·manchester's Professional Innovator

The future pro·manchester Professional Innovator Challenge will be launched on the 21st September by CEO and Founder of AudioBoo Mark Rock and sponsored by accountancy firm Beever and Struthers . The challenge aims to recognise innovative flair in rising stars from the financial and professional services and student communities across the city.

Rock is the serial entrepreneur behind Audioboo, a sound sharing application which allows users to record and publish audio clips of upto five minutes in length, like a spoken word equivalent of Twitter it has revolutionised the way audio is used and boasts high profile users including Channel 4 news.

Entrants will take part in a series of challenges around various themes including: ability to adapt, creativity and persuasive power. The challenges are all written by the judging panel of leading business experts which will include serial entrepreneur Imran Hakim and digital futurist Mike Ryan.

The shortlisted entrants will then face an interview with the panel before the winner is announced at an awards ceremony on March 29th.

Last year’s winners included Daniel Callan, an Oldham College student of web and game design , Daniel taught himself all about search engine optimisation and even runs his own web design business, Ice Box Designs.  The judges said Danny demonstrated fantastic spark and vision. The Professional Winner was forensic accountant at Baker Tilly Paul Widger commenting on the challenge he said:

“Times are tough economically and the surest way out for companies and for the country is innovation.  future pro·manchester is absolutely right to encourage innovation and recognise the future business leaders who can see a better way of doing things and can make them happen.  I’m thrilled to be the current Professional Innovator and to be helping the search for the next!”

The Challenge is open to members under the age of 35 and students from across the region, it will be supported over the next six months by a full events programme.

For further information, visit www.futurepromanchester.co.uk/proinnovator or contact Sam Booth on 0161 817 3480. You can also follow all the pro.innovator news on twitter @futureproman #PI2012