The cycle of success: Entrepreneur rides off with victory at The Pitch South East

A designer who has created an innovative solution to bike theft has won the last of five regional legs of BusinessZone.co.uk's search for Britain's best small businesses.

Anthony Lau, founder of Cyclehoop, took the top prize on Tuesday at the London heat of The Pitch 2009.

Competing against five other small business owners, Lau was judged the best by a panel of experts including serial entrepreneur Karen Darby who has recently set up social enterprise Call Britannia.

Although many local authorities are promoting the environmental and health benefits of cycling to the public, thousands of bikes are stolen every year. Many authorities also struggle to find cost-effective solutions for cycle parking.

Lau, a graduate in architecture, has created a device to tackle the issues. Clamping on to existing street furniture without the need for concreting, Cyclehoop prevents thieves lifting bikes over signposts, reduces street clutter and provides effective parking solutions.

Some 200 units have already been installed in locations around the UK.

Karen Darby said: "Having completed the South East regional final for The Pitch, I have to say I am truly proud of the entrepreneurial talent that exists in Britain today. Six completely different businesses all with two things in common - a great idea and a really engaging entrepreneur.

"It was therefore incredibly difficult to chose a winner to go through to the national final. In the end we opted for Cyclehoop - an innovative yet stunningly simple idea which was beautifully executed."

Following his victory, Lau will compete in a grand final in November for the chance to win £50,000 of business goods and services including one-on-one mentoring from former Dragons' Den judge Doug Richard.

Joining him at the final will be David Webb and David Wright, co-founders of Vibe Gum and winner of the South West heat; Kenneth Cheung, founder of BEEcycle and winner of the North heat; Craig Smith, founder of The Printed Bag Shop and winner of the Scotland heat and Tom Warrender, founder of Get Set Schools and winner of the Midlands heat.

As well as Karen Darby, who set up SimplySwitch in 2003 before selling it to the Daily Mail for £22m 10 years later, judges at the London event were Simone Brummelhuis, founder of online business magazine The NextWomen; Bill Morrow, co-founder of Angels Den and Simon Gorman, head of micro markets at Sage.

The other entrepreneurs competing at The Pitch South East at eOffice in central London were:

• Richard Davis, Virtual Gym TV (world's only live and on demand online gym)
• Anna Bance, Girl Meets Dress (online designer dress rental service)
• Jennifer Twig, Lily Pins (hairdressing services for care homes)
• Oliver Brooks, Completely Novel (internet community for unpublished authors)
• Paul Hewitt, Primo Smoothie (mobile smoothie retail units for schools)