Partner Article

Entrepreneurs sliding to success

Two North East entrepreneurs are on the road to success after their solution to a car parking problem attracted worldwide interest.

Ken Riley and David Carr established their Park and Slide business to help motorists solve the challenge of getting two cars into a “double” garage that is actually unable to accommodate both vehicles. After starting just over a year ago as a concept dreamed up in a garage in Blaydon, their product is now set to be sold throughout the UK, Europe and the US.

Mr Riley, of Blaydon, set about designing a simple device to overcome the problem after being refused planning permission to extend his own garage. While the space was technically a double garage, it was impossible for Mr Riley to fit two modern vehicles inside.

The former Tarmac North East managing director enlisted the help of Mr Carr and, together, they devised the ‘park and slide’ system, comprising two horizontal runners bolted to a garage floor. A vehicle can be parked on a metal plate operating along the runners and simply pushed to the side of the garage, creating space for another car, or extra storage.

Interest is now growing among construction firms keen to make the Park and Slide system part of new housing developments.

Mr Riley said: “I spent several weeks working on a prototype and I thought it might be a good idea to make a business out of it. David produced it and it works fantastically.

“There is particularly strong interest in the US for a new motorcycle turntable and slide device that the Americans are keen on for parking their Harley Davidsons.”

Matthew Rippon, a partner at North East law firm BHP Law, helped Total Lifting Solutions get off the ground by taking advantage of start-up funding provided by Business Link North-East. Newcastle-based accountants and business advisers RMT, patent and trademark attorneys Murgitroyd, and business consultant Ross Golightly, formerly of RTC North, have also played key roles.

For further information about Park and Slide, go to www.totalliftingsolutions.co.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .