Wriggle is a mobile app that has been offering exclusive on-the-day deals to users since officially launching last month. Part of SETsquared in the Engine Shed, it is the brainchild of lawyer-turned-entrepreneur Rob Hall. We caught up with Rob to find out about the latest exciting start-up in the Enterprise Zone.
What is the business?
So many great local businesses have spare space – assets which if unused, are waste. Think restaurant tables, fresh produce, bowling alleys, theatre seats, flowers, hot air balloons, even professional services. Wriggle is a mobile app to allow these businesses to create last-minute offers and find buyers to fill their excess capacity whilst getting out to a new audience. For users, Wriggle is a fun and spontaneous mobile app to bring people last-minute offers, or opportunities as we call them, at high-quality local businesses – places that the Wriggle team love and think our users will love too.
How long have you been going?
We released the Wriggle mobile app (available for free on Apple App Store and Google Play) two weeks ago, but have been working on Wriggle since January.
Why did you decide to set this business up?
I was a corporate lawyer with City firm Clifford Chance – but was itching to set up a business. I had the seed of a business idea and drew up a business which developed into the concept behind Wriggle. I left my career as a lawyer to set up Wriggle in Bristol, which seemed like the perfect city for the idea!
Any quirky/interesting facts about it, interesting people or projects you’ve worked with/on?
What I love about Wriggle is working with, and supporting, so many amazing small business owners. I love hearing their stories and how they got there. Of the restaurants and bars we’ve worked with, there have been some interesting backgrounds – guys who worked as air hosts, barristers, accountants, waiters – all united by their passion for their businesses.
How many people are there in your business?
We got this far as a team of 4 – myself, Yasmin doing design work and two interns from Bristol Uni – Dan and Neel. We’re just taking on new full-time staff as we look to grow – so things might be different in a few weeks!
Why have you chosen to relocate to Bristol Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone?
I initially moved to the Engine Shed as part of investment from Webstart Bristol. I developed Wriggle for 3 months with them before joining SETsquared last month. It’s a great place to be for an early stage start-up – lots of other businesses to bounce ideas off and amazing mentoring and facilities to provide guidance.
What do you want to see happening in Bristol Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone?
I would love to see the start-up community thriving. I think SETsquared moving into the Zone will help drive a lot of growth – and Bristol. I would also like to see some more options for places to eat and drink. Hart’s Bakery and Yurt Lush are amazing, but there could be more!
