UK Entrepreneurs Eye iPod Users With New miShake Player

The "miShake" was launched by 24-year-old Birmingham entrepreneurs Steve Beckford and Alex Sylvester who, after running their own online gadget shop Electro Box, saw a market opportunity.

Their company has exclusive rights to the miShake in the UK and is aiming to work with other overseas distributors.

The Beginning of the End for MP3?

Beckford launched Electro Box just over a year ago after spending time traveling.

However, his hobbies took a back seat after launching his own company.

"It is a completely different ball game running your own company compared to working for others," he said.

"Suddenly, your ability to eat, own a home, run a car and much more, depend on you -- your business acumen and the advice that you gather from others.

"Together with Alex, my partner, we have to negotiate prices with suppliers, manage logistics and customer service, control the marketing -- and most importantly of all, sell products at a profit.

"The launch of miShake marks the beginning of the end for MP3. It sets a new standard in video and audio quality and competes directly with over-priced rivals," he said.

Adding Value

The pair received the backing of Jerry Blackett, chief executive of Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, who was at the launch of the player. He said: "Steve and Alex are two young guys with loads of drive and business enterprise .

"They are real role models for the kinds of young entrepreneurs that we are keen to see thrive. With the launch of miShake, they are showing how local business acumen can add value to a basic product developed elsewhere -- in this case, in China and Korea."