(l-r) Sue Thorley and David Lindsay
“Getting caught short” is no longer a problem for people all over the world thanks to the innovative thinking of a Kidderminster entrepreneur.
Sue Thorley, who was recently announced as a regional winner at the Grazia O2 X awards, has enjoyed a whirlwind start to her ‘Spare Pair’ business and is now using support from Business Link West Midlands to increase sales of her revolutionary product in the UK, Europe and the US.
The concept, quite simply, is a neatly packaged spare pair of underwear, which is sealed in an individual easy-open foil convenience pack. It is ideal for an active young person, travellers, sportspeople and mums dealing with the day to day issues of bringing up children.
“We’ve been inundated since launching the product early this year and genuinely believe we have unearthed a previously untapped market,” explained Sue, who came up with the idea after building work at home had left her in a caravan and without running water.
“The national recognition was a real bonus and helps add credibility to what we are doing – in fact, I’m already using the award when talking to a number of potential stockists.
“The re-useable underwear is ideal for a whole host of situations, whether it be for use during maternity, at festivals or when competing in all manner of sports.”
While ‘Spare Pair’ garments are made for convenience, they are made from 100% cotton and have been designed to be washed and re-washed several times.
Each pack, which starts at £2 for children and goes up to £3 for adults, also contains a moist cleansing wipe for men, women and children, which has been developed in association with the well know ‘Femfresh’
With the excitement of the awards now dying down, Sue is using expertise and guidance from Business Link West Midlands to develop the ‘Spare Pair’ brand even further.
“We’ve got three major stockists at the moment, including Three Pears, Hoar Cross Hall Spa Resort and, most noticeably, CentreParcs.”
She continued: “Naturally, we want to increase this number by targeting supermarkets, pubs, railway stations and airports, whilst also pushing sales through our website www.sparepair.co.uk. The latter will be really important for trying to break into the US and other international markets, where interest is expected to be high.”
Business Link West Midlands’ David Lindsay saw the potential of the venture very early on:
“This is a very exciting company and one that has a really big future. Sue has spotted a niche in her marketplace and, following the right planning and research, has built clear routes to market.
“In my opinion, this is one of the best enterprises I’ve worked with and the Grazia Award reinforces this belief.”
Sue concluded: “Business Link has been a great help in turning the idea into commercial reality and has shown a real eagerness to not only understand the product, but also how their advice could help shape the future.
“They are great supporters of entrepreneurs and innovation and the guidance continues throughout. Sometimes when you feel it’s all a nightmare, they put you back on track with professional advice and reassurances, which is a great sounding board.”
Business Link West Midlands is expected to help over 70,000 businesses and individuals thinking of starting a business with information, with a further 16,000 receiving intensive support by 2010.
This level of support is expected to generate a £400m improvement to the economic performance of the West Midlands.
For further information, please contact 0845 113 1234, visit www.businesslinkwm.co.uk or email info@businesslinkwm.co.uk
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
