The power of innovation

Power Health Products manufacture and distribute a wide range of quality health food supplements. They have been producing vitamins, minerals and botanical supplements, sports nutrition, and natural hair and skincare products since 1972. Their products are available in health food shops and pharmacies nationwide & in over 50 countries worldwide.

Following significant investment in research and development, the company developed a range of innovative oral liquids. They identified that although demand in the supplements industry was growing, a sizable population is reluctant to swallow capsules or tablets. This could be addressed by creating a “drinkable” liquid formulation. Power Health Product’s first range of oral liquids would target the joint mobility sector; the only products of their kind on the market. These novel liquid products help to maintain joint health and mobility.

In order to manufacture their new products, Power Health Products needed to invest in new equipment including planetary mixers, a liquid filling machine, and a capping system. This machinery would allow production to move to an automated process, meeting the high production standards required to take the product to market. To help to purchase this new equipment, the company were awarded a £20,000 Product and Process Innovation (PAPI) grant.

The new, PAPI-funded equipment allowed Power Health Products to finalise the product formulation and begin manufacturing the new products at their Pocklington facility. The company developed expertise in the area of liquid healthcare products, which meant that they could deliver a more niche variety of products, in a new market area. The new products are now sold through a well-known UK high street chemist. The project also allowed the company to create 2 new jobs.

Managing Director Vicky McIver said

“The project enabled us to purchase more equipment for a new project producing liquids. We have seen a massive increase in this sector and the new equipment helped us to create products quicker and more competitively.”

Power Health Products continue to develop new, innovative products and aim to expand their liquid range in the coming years. This will allow them to sell to further high street chains in the UK, and to expand their exports.

The Product and Process Innovation (PAPI) project supports businesses in York, North Yorkshire & Leeds City Region to create innovative new products through the provision of grants and workshops. Delivered by the University of York, PAPI provides 40% grants of between £8,000 and £20,000 for the purchase of equipment which will create new products, services and jobs. The project is now open for applications and businesses can quickly check their eligibility and apply on the website at papi.org.uk or by calling the PAPI team on 01904 32 8076.

The PAPI project is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and delivered by the University of York, in partnership with The Northern Powerhouse.