Lee Quinn has praised Loughborough College for its part in the development of a successful app gaining national recognition.
Lee received his BSc in Sports Coaching at this week’s town graduation ceremony and says the app grew out of his degree studies with the College. The father of two was also named as Outstanding Achievement award winner, following hot on the heels of Lee’s 2018 Young Enterprise Award win for his presentation of Capacity app at the national finals.
The innovative app enables users to check venues and services such as bars and restaurants, visitor attractions or car parks in advance, to see how busy they are. “If I had not been studying for my degree and encouraged to get involved in entrepreneurship at Loughborough College the app wouldn’t exist – but now it’s going from strength to strength and it is encouraging backing which could see it address a major need nationally.”
Lee was inspired to create the app through his experiences with the younger of his two daughters, who is now five. She has autism and struggles when facilities are crowded and gets anxious if the family gets delayed. “I worked with a partner, Hayden Gately, to develop it and now it has evolved from a general app into one which focuses on a range of mental health needs, including autism.
“The National Autistic Society has said they really like the idea. We’re working with a mentor and an angel investor is looking at our proposal. There are 14 million disabled people in the UK and the app has potential to make a real difference.
“But if I hadn’t been studying for my degree course at Loughborough College, I would definitely not be in the position I am now. The team were so supportive and the course gave me the skills I needed to launch and develop Capacity. The ability to pitch effectively alone has been invaluable.
“I am 100% grateful to Loughborough College for helping me create something which has the potential to help so many people.”