George Costa
Founder and MD of ProActiv Textiles plc
George left the University of Manchester in 1986 and set up his first company shortly afterwards. By 1997, his company's innovation in the textiles arena was well known. Customers included most of the global sportswear brands including Nike, Adidas, Umbro, Reebok and Asics. The surge in business meant that the company could invest in the latest fabric manufacturing technology and expertise and was also rewarded with several prizes including Queens Awards for Export, Fast Track Growth and Ernst & Youngs 'Young Entrepreneurs awards'. Today ProActiv plc's research and development department is as busy as ever identifying the latest technical innovations in order to deliver solutions that enhance the quality of life for customers in its chosen markets.
Howard Cairns
Marketing and eBusiness
Howard has been working in marketing, both offline and online, for ten years. With consultancy credits including Adidas, Lotus cars and Amazon.com, he is experienced in developing promotion and internet optimisation programmes for new and established products. Howard works with George on product placement, internet marketing and promotional activities.