A young entrepreneur has developed a new app that will make life easier for driving instructors and pupils in Lancashire, with backing from a business support agency.
28 year old Steve Hilton has developed new online and android software that enables instructors and pupils to easily keep track of lesson times, driver progression, lesson feedback and the remaining account balance of lesson bookings. ‘Drivingstars’ operates much like a social networking website and is set to save the time of both instructors and pupils so they can concentrate on passing their test.
Steve, who is based in UCLAN’s Media Factory, has worked with over 90 Lancashire based driving instructors to finely tune the app’s usability and developed the software himself along with a final year computing student, James Smith. Steve also sought help from business support company Regenerate Pennine Lancashire, who offered Steve impartial advice and partially financed the development of the brand through thei Lancashire Innovation Network programme, which is supported by the European Regional Development Fund.
Steve said:
“It was great to be able to talk to someone from Regenerate. It’s difficult getting good feedback, but their advisor was objective and made useful recommendations, helping me to recognise ways to improve ‘Drivingstars’ and find the right design agency for the brand. Their support has helped my business prepare for the next stage of growth – I am now looking for an apprentice to help with our sales and marketing.”
Steve Hoyle, Managing Director of Regenerate, said:
“Steve is one many young entrepreneurs who are using the latest technologies to open up new market opportunities. If companies or individuals have an idea for a smart-phone, tablet app or other innovation that will help other businesses, we can most probably help them to access free advice and finance.”
