Inventor goes into production with Business Link backing

As small businesses are finding it harder to raise finance, Birmingham inventor Martin O’Donnell has proved that it’s still possible to get the cash needed to start and grow a business – and even create jobs at the same time.

Now, after raising just over £500,000 worth of funding to put his latest idea into production, the Chief Executive of Green Innovations Ltd is hoping to see his eco-friendly device for bleeding radiators – the ‘Easybleed’™ – on the shelves of DIY stores within weeks.

With backing from Business Link in the West Midlands, not only has the idea helped him create three new jobs in his own organisation, but it has secured others at the manufacturers Springfield Tools and PJS Mouldings here in the West Midlands.

A former environmental marketing specialist, Martin invented the ‘Easybleed’™ as a simple solution to the age-old domestic task of bleeding radiators. His device, which will sell individually for under £5, enables householders to complete the task easily and safely at the touch of a button.

He explained: “Air locks are very common in radiators and, to keep them working efficiently, they need bleeding several times a year. This used to mean unscrewing a bleed valve with a square headed key. This posed all sorts of problems from lost keys to the scenario of rusty water spraying all over fitted carpets.

“The job’s particularly difficult for elderly and disabled people who have difficulties getting down to the radiators but the ‘Easybleed’™ solves all of these problems.”

Business Link backing has enabled Martin to secure agreements with major DIY chains, builders and plumbing merchants who will be stocking the product.

Business adviser Richard Stannard worked alongside him to help the company secure patents and develop the route to market.

More importantly, the company have been put in touch with key partners such as Innovation Networks, MAS-WM, the Arrow Fund and Aston Reinvestment Trust, and the Advantage Creative Fund, to get the finance necessary to scale up production to meet demand.

Commercial Director Sarabjeet Soar OBE said the funds had enabled the company to establish new offices in Castle Bromwich and the staffing required to penetrate the market. The finance has also allowed the company to fast track two additional products within the next 6 months.

Alison Bradley, Managing Director of the Arrow small business finance scheme run by Business Link, said: “The support of the Access to Finance programme has been invaluable in assisting Green Innovations Ltd to access a range of finance. This includes facilitating a co-ordinated approach between lenders to enable them to raise a significant amount to develop their business.

“The Access to Finance scheme is becoming increasingly important in today’s economic climate and it ensures that support is still available to assist businesses to raise the funds they need to start, grow and develop.”

Business Link adviser Richard Stannard added: “I think Martin will do very well with the ‘Easybleed’™ invention. Not only is he very tenacious but also he is very skilled in the market place, passionate about his ideas and he listens to advice.

“Starting out in business these days is a bit like running in the Grand National. There are lots of hurdles and fences to overcome and the secret of success is in knowing when to carry on and when to stop if those hurdles become insurmountable. Martin is shrewd enough to be able to make sound judgments and not so precious about his products that he loses his ability to be objective.”