A DENTIST is cutting his teeth as an inventor after tackling an age old problem suffered by cyclists.
3rd Mar 2010
Matt Garnett, who is a keen road cyclist in his spare time, has developed his BreezeBlockers AeroShield after suffering for many years from frozen hands and fingers while on his bike.
He explained: “On a two hour bike ride your hands get really cold. Competitive cyclists need to train in all weathers so at this time of year it’s particularly difficult. Most riders will wear two pairs of gloves but you still need to have the flexibility to pull the brakes.
“I guessed if it’s a problem for me then it’s probably the same for other people. I couldn’t find anything on the market for road bikes so I started to develop my own product.”
After producing his first prototype over a year ago, Matt has worked with Stuart Hogarth of Redfox computer aided design services of Chester-le-Street to develop the design.
The Aeroshield then went to Durham University for aerodynamic, stability and safety testing in a wind tunnel with simulated head and cross wind of up to 60mph, and then to Teesside University for further testing in a climatic environmental chamber allowing testing at minus four degrees.
Matt explained: “The purpose was to test how the BreezeBlocker Aeroshield has a positive impact in cold conditions.
“If the rider’s hands are protected from the cold then their power output can potentially increase allowing them to ride harder for longer, which means they can train more efficiently and potentially compete better.”
Matt has been supported by a team of legal and business professionals to secure investment from North East Finance to develop, brand and protect the product.
Abdulmalik Lawal, of patent attorneys Murgitroyd & Company has filed a trademark and patent application while business consultant Ross Golightly of Sphera Consulting has raised funding from several sources on Matt’s behalf.
Ross, who is now helping Matt to get the Aeroshield onto the market, explained: “We secured Business Link funding towards branding, prototyping, the Durham University testing and patent and design protection.
“North East Finance has agreed a convertible loan through its Design and Creative Fund and we’ve had ERDF funding though the universities sector. It’s about knowing where to go and what may be available.”
Matthew Rippon, an intellectual property specialist with BHP Law, added: “Matt’s product clearly has huge market potential. As his advisers we must analyse what protections he needs and choose the right time to make the applications.
“The mistake some people make is to get too excited and start doing things before they have filed the necessary applications. It’s all about timing and prioritisation. As a team of four professionals we work with a number of potentially very successful start-ups and share our experience and expertise.
“For BreezeBlockers, further down the line it’s likely there will be licensing and commercial agreements to be drawn up as well as distribution arrangements with parties in other countries.”
Stephen Slater, partner at RMT accountants and business advisors in Newcastle, provided support for business planning and financial projections.
He said: “It is great to see another example of the entrepreneurial spirit in the North East, and I am delighted that Matt has secured this round of funding to get his business idea on the road.”
BreezeBlockers is about to be launched on a small scale with local cycling clubs prior to a major trade launch this summer with a view to retail partners being signed up.
Matt said: “The wealth of experience we’ve been able to draw on from our advisers has been integral to the development of every aspect and really driven the road map we’re following to develop the business. For someone new to it like me it’s been a lifeline.”
He is also developing the D.Fendr, a protector for feet and ankles and D. Flekr, a hand shield to fit mountain bikes and commuting bikes.
Customers will be able to personalise their products with options that can be viewed on the company’s website at www.breezeblockers.com
Matt’s wife, Victoria, a former Unipreneur of the Year finalist who has conducted market research for the product, said the range and the brands had enormous potential.
“Companies are trying to promote healthy lifestyles with bike to work schemes to cut car use and pollution and BreezeBlockers are ideal for commuter cyclists,” she said.
Matt added: “Last year there were more than 1,400 registered cycling clubs and British Cycling has 25,000 registered members, but I think that’s only the tip of the iceberg.
“Word is already getting around and people who ride are asking ‘who are Breeze Blockers?’ and what are these AeroShields?’ I’m hoping to have them endorsed by elite cyclists and if they are taken up by high profile riders there will be opportunities for sponsors to promote their brands on the products.”
Victoria and Matthew Garnett (front) with the BreezeBlockers AeroShield which could revolutionise road riding for cyclists, supported by their team of professionals, (L-R) Stuart Hogarth, Matthew Rippon, Abdulmalik Lawal, Stephen Slater and Ross Golightly.
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