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A LOFTY IDEA SNAPPED UP BY MAJOR DIY RETAILER
7th December 2011A Sussex-based entrepreneur has come up with a simple, yet effective product to ensure that valuable loft storage space is not lost once regulation insulation is fitted – a product that has already been given the thumbs up from a major high street DIY retailer.
With the help of the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) South East, David Ferguson has designed and introduced an innovative stilt product called 'Loft Storage Stilts' to allow regulation insulation to be fitted into roof spaces whilst retaining existing storage areas.
Still working for one of the largest loft insulation companies in the UK, David came up with the idea in order to overcome the shortage of available storage space left in lofts once regulation insulation is fitted – over five years ago a stricter, new building guideline was introduced on the thickness of insulation required for increased energy efficiency, and to reduce the impact buildings have on global warming.
He commented: "In order to comply with current building standards, insulation is now much thicker leading to, more often than not, the loss of existing boarding for storage. I knew that a simple plastic stilt product would easily solve this problem resulting in continued and improved loft space optimisation."
Following a referral from Beepurple, the University of Brighton's entrepreneurship network, David contacted MAS South East for help with the design of the product and began working closely with Richard Teal, MAS South East Specialist. Richard developed and completed the necessary CAD model drawings and stress calculations and support enabled David to get going with the lengthy and expensive patent application process.
David continued: "Working with MAS South East has enabled me to put my idea into reality – having the support and backing of an organisation that is passionate about manufacturing and able to help individuals take a product from concept to customer gave me the confidence to push forward with the product."
Richard said: "In the UK we're fantastic at innovation and new product ideas, yet making those first steps from idea towards manufacture can be confusing and complex. Working with David has involved discussions around how to protect the product idea, prepare it for cost-effective manufacture, consider what its life will be and learn how to make money from it."
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Charlotte Vine, Senior Account Manager
Harvest PR
Tel: 023 9244 9655
Email: charlotte.vine@harvestpr.co.uk
The Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) South East
MAS South East provides companies with practical help and hands-on support in all aspects of manufacturing; offering easy access to professional and experienced manufacturing specialists focused on delivering real bottom line benefits – 'Support for manufacturers from manufacturers'.
Launched by the Government in 2002, MAS is a key component of the Government's Solutions for Business portfolio and plays a vital role in giving UK manufacturers the support they need to improve productivity and achieve success in an increasingly competitive global economy.
MAS South East supports manufacturers in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Kent, Oxfordshire, Surrey and Sussex.
MAS Contributes to and Celebrates Manufacturing Success.
