Alan McQuarters is the winner of the Big Ideas Competition for his pricing software programme designed to help the quoting process for builders and subcontractors.

Alan, who owns Estimating Services Tauranga Limited, presented the idea to judges in early November and was chosen from the top 10 applicants.

Alistair McMahon, left, Nicola Green, Alan McQuarters (winner), Rachel Wilson, David Parrot. Photo: Supplied.

He has won $15,000 worth of professional marketing services to help him launch the software.

Judge Alistair McMahon says the software is a simple yet powerful online tool that enables builders to slash the time required to produce estimates and assist producing far more accurate estimates.

The software is in its final market testing stage and the launch is planned for March 2012.

Alan says it’s a tremendous thrill to win the first BOP Big Ideas Competition.

“The advantages are not only validation of our new product, but in particular having five experts in different fields to consult, advise and assist moving forward.”

The inaugural competition also awarded five supplementary prizes of $1000 to Balex Limited, World of Mr G, Home Instead Senior Care, Sift Catering and New Zealand Curriculum Design Institute.

Judge Rachel Wilson of RWL Chartered Accountants says the judges wish to congratulate all of the entrants, finalists and winners.

“There were a number of great big ideas and passionate, enthusiastic entrepreneurs. “We’ve had such a big response and so much positive feedback so we are really looking forward to running the competition again in 2012.”