Sunderland entrepreneurs develop “revolutionary” startup with North East BIC

An idea sparked in a hot desking facility has led two local entrepreneurs to a “hot new concept” for the office desk.

Workspace designer Michael White and electrical installation expert Dave Green met at the North East BIC’s coworking space back in 2018 when using the shared workspace for their own businesses.

A chance conversation resulted in the pair collaborating to find space-saving solutions for an expanding local company which was struggling to fit extra work stations into its crowded office. They then hit upon the concept for UNIO, an ergonomic and electric adjusting desk that allows the user to change position from sitting to standing at the push of a button.

And after discussing the idea with the BIC’s business advisers, they embarked on a new startup journey together to design, develop and bring the product to market. Fast forward five years and their innovation is now available to buy and trade experts have had a chance to try it out at a product launch.

And in a move that brings the startup story full circle, the BIC has become UNIO’s first customer after purchasing two workstations for use by tenants and visitors to its Sunderland riverside business centre.

Co-founder Michael commented: “We’re very excited to finally be able to share UNIO with the world after years of hard work bringing it to life. It’s a true North East collaboration story. So many people and organisations have helped to make it happen, including the BIC who have supported us from concept to launch.

“It is incredible to see UNIO now being used and enjoyed by people because this is the greatest makeover the humble desk has ever had!

“We believe it has the potential to revolutionise workspace in the post-Covid world of business where a hybrid approach to work is the new normal and companies need their spaces to work better than ever for their teams and their bottom line.”

Michael and Dave moved into a dedicated office at the BIC to develop UNIO and utilised a wide range of services and support available via the BIC to get their idea off the ground, including £20k in funding from the Innovation Programme for prototyping and design.

The BIC’s chief executive Paul McEldon added: “UNIO’s startup story is the perfect example of just how supportive and collaborative the North East is when it comes to encouraging our entrepreneurs. It’s been fantastic to be involved from the grain of an idea right through to the delivery and installation of the workstation in our business centre.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

• Add me on LinkedIn and Twitter to keep up to date
• And follow Bdaily on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn
• Submit press releases to editor@bdaily.co.uk for consideration.

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →