Member Article

Piranha Guard test products with Amir Khan

Mouthguard manufacturer Piranha Guard has received funding from the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) to test its products with Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) and boxing world champion, Amir Khan.

The Bolton boxer put Piranha’s mouthguards to the test in the ring while trials were carried out by MMU’s Sport Science Team to look at respiratory uptake, comfort and protection.

Piranha Guard hope to grow the business after securing financial support from MAS, while the firm’s managing director, Simon Nixon, said he hopes to raise awareness amongst athletes about the importance of dental protection.

He said: “We were delighted with the success of the testing program and would like to thank everyone involved at MMU, Amir and MAS for making it possible.

“Our biggest challenge as a company is to educate athletes at every level as there seems to be a naïve misconception regarding dental injuries and the use of protection in sport.

“The fact Amir took the time to undergo the testing shows just how important the products really are in contact sport.

“As a result of this initial trial, we have now signed up to a continuous testing programme with MMU to ensure we remain at the forefront of scientific development in the long term.”

Funding from MAS will also allow Piranha to develop its e-commerce website, to improve functionality and develop new features.

Mr Nixon added: “Our new website will also make it much easier for people to find us and buy direct. E-commerce is now firmly at the heart of our future growth strategy.”

Amir Khan gave his support to the firm by putting its mouthguard products through a rigorous testing program.

He commented: “When Piranha Guard approached me with the idea of testing their products I jumped at the chance.

“They have rapidly become a leading company in mouthguard technology and supply a variety of world-class athletes with their products; they can even put your logo on them.

“The Piranha mouthguard I have chosen … has the greatest balance between comfort, protection and oxygen intake in boxing, helping me to improve my performances.”

Nick Brandwood of MAS also commented: “Piranha Guard is an exciting, innovative company; they are fast moving and ambitious and we were able to go in and understand what was key to their business and agree and organise the support they needed quickly.

“It’s great to see a sporting legend like Amir supporting a North West company and we’re proud to have played our part in supporting this partnership.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Miranda Dobson .