Yorkshire couple tap into success

A Yorkshire farm-based business is making waves with an award-winning water-saving invention.

Belle and Jason Richardson, from Pocklington, have launched SealStop, a portable automatic shut-off device that prevents water wastage by stopping containers from overflowing.

Described as a modern twist on a ballcock, the product allows users to keep taps or hoses running without the risk of spills.

Belle said: “Our invention was born of necessity and, like most of the best inventions, it’s very simple. 

“My husband Jason is a farrier and we live on a small holding with a lot of animals. 

“I was forever over-filling the drinking troughs. 

“Jason’s brain is always on and he came up with SealStop. 

“The diaphragm cuts off the water when it reaches the top of a container to prevent any wastage.”

Belle added: “SealStop could not be timelier. 

“We’re in the middle of a hosepipe ban after one of the driest Springs on record. 

“We all need to be aware that we’re running out of fresh water, and we must be mindful how we use it. 

“I’m not saying don’t water your garden, but it’s about how you do it. 

“SealStop is the perfect solution.

“We have approached various water companies, telling them about SealStop, including Anglian Water, who are very interested and have been supportive, and Yorkshire Water.

“There’s no doubt that our invention could save all UK water companies so much water and ease the pressure on their ever-diminishing supply.”

The invention took five years to develop and has already secured multiple awards, including Theo Paphitis’ Small Business Sunday and the UK Business Awards start-up innovation category. 

The Richardsons have also turned down approaches from two major companies keen to buy the product.

Belle, who worked as a radiographer for the NHS at York and Malton Hospitals before now devoting her time to SealStop, added: “Our ethos is very much people first and profit second – it’s about helping people not to waste water. 

“So, we are definitely not going to sell SealStop when we’ve only just launched it. 

“We are on an exciting journey and it would be foolish to abandon it now.”

SealStop’s success recently reached the Climb25 festival in Leeds, where Belle won the Busk Your Business competition and attracted the attention of “legendary” branding expert Steve Edge, designer of the iconic Star Wars Millennium Falcon and who has also worked on Raiders of the Lost Arc, among other major films, who offered a one-to-one session after being impressed by the product’s potential.

Belle added: “I hadn’t got a pitch, I just completely blagged it, and somehow I won.

“SealStop can also be used in the equestrian world, in farming, for caravaners, everyday gardeners, golf clubs and builders, as well as by people who have hot tubs. 

“As we gain momentum with our sales, we are also approaching retailers and garden centres.

“This is very much a family affair. 

“Our sons Oscar, eight, and six-year-old Seb help pack the products in our workshop at our farm. 

“It’s an exciting venture for them, and for us, too. 

“So far we are delighted with our progress – out of thousands of SealStops sold, only two have been returned.”

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