It has been announced that a team that has developed a business plan for JMI has won the 10th annual Japan Market Entry Competition (JMEC).

The adjudicating judges announced the winners of this year's competition during an award ceremony held at the Czech embassy in Tokyo on Friday 29th May.

"Team C" comprised of William Hall, James Robertson, Kyla White, Masako Yoshida, Robyn Chadderton, Michael Baastrup and was mentored by Mark Colby. Team members each received a HP Compaq Business Notebook as their prize for the winning the 2004 competition.

According to Kyla White, "Participating in JMEC was a fantastic experience to gain practical insights into Japanese business culture and practices, as well as valuable knowledge through hands-on experience. We are delighted to have had the chance to be on such a dynamic project for JMI and to be the winning team on the 10th anniversary of JMEC".

Over the past nine years, 447 JMEC team members have prepared business plans for 85 client companies, covering a broad range of products and services.

Past clients have included Bang & Olufsen, Dyson, Electrolux, The Financial Times, Heineken, Lloyds Bank, Nina Ricci and Waterford Wedgwood.

The plan developed for JMI focused on a new application of wireless technology. This allows marketers the ability to inform, survey, and transact with consumers through their mobile phones. As for consumers, they are able to efficiently opt-in to database via their mobile phone with minimal inconvenience. Subsequent communication then incorporates an exchange of on-going market research and highly targeted promotions, to the mutual benefit of both parties.