Partner Article

Pedal power speeds entrepreneur towards new markets

AN INVENTOR who has solved an age-old problem suffered by cyclists is in negotiations with several national retailers and closing in on the North American market as he looks to take his device global.

Matt Garnett, who spends his days working as a dentist in Newcastle, is also a keen road cyclist and has spent many years suffering with frozen hands and feet while on his bike.

His cycling woes proved the inspiration for his invention, which is set to be rolled out nationally and marketed internationally with a number of retail heavyweights circling the product.

Mr Garnett has created a range of ‘aero shields’ which not only keep hands and feet warm in the cooler months, but have also been scientifically proven to increase the performance capacity of riders, allowing them to train more efficiently.

After launching his website www.breezeblockers.com and building a team of four staff – which includes his wife Victoria – Mr Garnett is now in advanced negotiations to supply national retailers, including one which operates over 300 stores across the country.

Meanwhile the company is targeting the vast US and Canadian markets where cycling is extremely popular as a year-round pursuit despite plummeting temperatures in the winter.

Later this year the firm will exhibit at a major cycling event in Las Vegas and will despatch its distributor across the pond to market Breeze Blockers to retailers and individuals.

It will also be looking to build its UK presence at the largest cycle event of the year, Cycle Show 2010, at Earls Court, London, in October.

According to Mr Garnett there is huge global potential for the range of protectors – which are compatible with racing and mountain bikes.

He said: “In the UK businesses and the Government are increasingly keen to promote healthier living and cut pollution, while the cycling market in the US and Canada is massive and growing rapidly.

“Last year there were more than 1,400 registered cycling clubs in Britain and British Cycling currently has around 25,000 registered members, which is just a small fraction of the number of cyclists on the country’s roads.

“In the coming months I’m expecting elite cyclists and high profile riders to endorse the products and open up new opportunities for sponsors to promote their own brand on them. Through our new website and trade events overseas we also aim to expand our international reach and, as we grow, hope to develop a North East supply chain for the manufacturing of our goods.”

North East accountancy and business advisory group RMT was instrumental in helping Mr Garnett transform his idea into a viable company.

RMT partner Stephen Slater said: “It is great to see another example of the entrepreneurial spirit in the North East and I am delighted that Matt has been able to build on his innovative idea to create an enterprise with global potential.”

Mr Garnett, who admits he may have to give up his career in dentistry if his firm does achieve its huge potential, added: “RMT has been invaluable in establishing the preliminary business plan, drawing up a sales forecast and dealing with the company’s accounts. The wealth of experience I’ve been able to tap into has been an integral part of the development of the business and has aided its rapid transformation from inception to commercial successful.”

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