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Duncan Cook, from Hayle, is the founder and Managing Director of Homedianet, a company which specialises in the design and installation of multi-room audio, video, lighting and home automation systems for new build and property renovations. Just 20 entrepreneurs from the UK were selected to receive a scholarship for the course at the Babson College near Boston. The college is known as one of the world?s top business schools and has an international reputation for training business leaders of the future. The course was provided to 32-year-old Duncan under a scheme known as the New Entrepreneur Transatlantic Scholarship (NETS). It followed a tough nation-wide competition which culminated in a two-day selection event involving in-depth interviews, business presentations and practical demonstrations. Duncan commented: ?The course was led by some of the most successful serial entrepreneurs in the United States who were hugely inspiring and passionate. Being given the chance to study at the Babson College is not just about helping me succeed. It?s also about creating employment, opportunities and training in the South West and adopting some American business techniques to help the business grow.? Evelyn Lager, Program & Business Development Manager for the Europe Institute at Babson College said: ?It was a pleasure to have Duncan with us as part of the NETS UK group. We are very happy and proud that he is applying techniques and strategies that he learnt in the two weeks at Babson College.? Professor Mike Gordon, the Faculty Director of the NETS UK Program at Babson College added: ?It was very inspiring to follow the scholars? progress and witness first hand how the participants developed concise visions and strategies for their businesses. We wish Duncan and his company Homedianet every success in the future.? Duncan returned to his Cornish roots to set-up his own business after moving away eight years ago due to the fact at that time there was little or no work in Cornwall. He recalled: ?Today there?s a real buzz about the county thanks to aid such as Objective One and the Eden project has also put Cornwall on the map. I always wanted to set up my own business and now seemed economically right to do so.? The past few years have witnessed a digital revolution fuelled by the growth of the internet, and more houses now have high speed broadband internet access. These developments, and the increase in TV property programmes such as Grand Designs, have led to the home networks and multi-room entertainment becoming an increasingly useful and in demand feature to the homebuyer. Young Enterprise Cornwall has now asked Duncan to join its Board so he can share his US experiences with other budding entrepreneurs in the county. He continued: ?I?ve always been confident in the products and systems I install, but the course has helped me refine how I tap into and meet the demand for them. Without the right tools it?s impossible for even the best ideas and businesses to flourish. Although it was possibly the most exhausting two weeks of my life, I know it will be vital in helping Homedianet go from strength to strength.? Andy Phillips, the Manager of Enterprise Edge, Cornwall?s business information service said: ?We provided Duncan with market research and information when Homedianet was forming and are delighted by his, and the company?s, continued success. At Enterprise Edge, we know that knowledge is key, so working with other entrepreneurs is a great way to go about developing a thriving business in the county.? ENDS Editor?s notes: 1. For further information contact Duncan Cook at Homedianet on 07917 344442, Michael Chmura at Babson College on 001 781 239 4549 or Esther Lochrie on behalf of Enterprise Edge on 01872 322931. 2. Homedianet designs and installs quality, bespoke residential networks providing Digital Ready Homes for the self-build market and property developers. 3. Homedianet allows control and remote monitoring of security systems such as CCTV, burglar alarms, and fire, water and gas leak sensors. The network distributes audio-visual signals including music, television, the internet and telephone throughout the home and can control heating and lighting. 4. Homedianet systems replace existing home wiring and therefore offer significant benefits with little additional cost to new house builders. 5. Homedianet offers a 15 year guarantee on installations.
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