Cambridge, Baby Safe Ltd is a business born out of an idea had by founder Lisa Walford, after observing the safety pitfalls of existing car seats used when her two daughters were babies. Drawing on her own experiences dealing with road traffic accidents when working as a Metropolitan Police Officer in London, and as a mother, as well as from inspired conversations with friends and fellow parents, she developed the concept of the Safe Sleep Seat.
The seat (the first of its kind to be wireless operated) is designed to offer children greater support when strapped in to avoid their heads flopping forward to prevent airway restriction, as well as offering sophisticated engineering features that help parents install the seat easier and therefore more safely. The ISOFIX installation technology is proven to be more secure than seats with seat belt installation, particularly in sideways impact collisions – therefore protecting children more effectively against possible neck injuries.
Fully operational from the driver’s seat with the touch of a button, parents are able to recline the baby seat safely whilst maintaining full control of their vehicle, and without taking their eyes off the road, ultimately helping to reduce the risk of an accident.
The design is also award-winning having won the Baby Products Association’s “Best Concept” Award back in March, 2017.
How we helped
Lisa approached CPCA Growth Hub, a free business signposting service from the Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough LEP that connects businesses with the help, support and funding they need to grow She had a well-developed concept and detailed research, however she needed help to refine the business plan and to find interested investors to help with manufacture and delivery to market.
Our CPCA Growth Hub Navigator took the time to understand Lisa’s needs before connecting her with the Innovate 2 Succeed programme.
Innovate 2 Succeed is a fully funded programme designed to support and coach SMEs looking to increase their effectiveness in generating innovative and commercialising ideas.
Results
After working with Innovate 2 Succeed, Baby Safe Ltd has a complete business plan, as well as a line of interest from serious investors. In addition, they have had the opportunity to showcase the product at the Advanced Engineering Show at the NEC in Birmingham in November 2017.
CEO Lisa Walford, said: “Baby Safe Ltd is a young start-up company and we are at a critical phase in our growth plan where we can do with all the help we can get to take our first product successfully to market. The Innovate2Succeed programme offered by The Enterprise Europe Network has made a huge difference to our readiness for commercial discussions and investment. The practical advice and insights that we are getting have enabled me as the founder CEO to think about the business opportunity in ways that I had not fully anticipated. I am very thankful to the support provided as it has helped transform our business plan and provided added impetus to our commercial journey.”
Future Vision
Baby Safe Ltd are about to pitch for investment to several angel groups and a couple of angel investors. A market launch is planned for late 2018.
