Sunderland duo put best feet forward with venture

Two Sunderland entrepreneurs are set to showcase their latest venture on Dragons’ Den star Sara Davies’ new show, The Big Idea Works.

Business directors Kelly Brougham and Amy Swan have developed a smart insole that alerts loved ones via an app if the wearer has taken a fall. 

Since appearing on the show, which airs on BBC One on Monday, February 24, they have worked with Jagdesign (4M) Ltd, in Spennymoor, to refine the product.

Amy, director of We Are Active Soles, said: “We know there’s a vital need for support of this kind. 

“In our other business, Active Families North East, we provide fitness and wellbeing sessions to over 50s and are always increasingly concerned about the number of falls and horror stories we hear of older people left without help for hours at a time.

“We know from our research there are alternative solutions on the market, however, none as subtle as a shoe insert, and none that can alert loved ones of a fall via an app anywhere and at any time.

“In addition to this, we’re also adding a fitness element to the insole, which will remind the individual using them to stand and take a few steps throughout the day to stay active.”

As part of their launch, the duo are hosting Step into Spring, a wellness event in Sunderland on International Happiness Day (March 20). 

Kelly added: “We’re inviting Sunderland residents to come and join us at Bede Tower for a day of wellness.

“From African drumming and entertainment to Pilates and nutrition sessions, this is a day for our aging community to come and give themselves a much-needed treat.”

To follow the two entrepreneurs on their journey, head to their social media channels ‘We are Active Soles’, or if you’d like to sign-up to be the first to know when the product is released, see here. 

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