M J Innovations

“My adviser Brian has helped me to achieve masses of  knowledge and confidence to develop and bring my new product to market. His outstanding input was greatly appreciated as M J Innovations is now a fully functional healthy growing business” Martin Jay, Proprietor

Business overview:

Martin Jay formed M Jay Carpentry in 2003 to provide high class joinery services, manufacturing cabinets, doors and windows. Working throughout Lancashire, Cheshire, Merseyside and Cumbria, Martin is the only employee of the company and work is sub-contracted out to other trades when necessary.

Martin had identified an opportunity to manufacture and market a new product for the home entertainment market. The product is a steering wheel stand for those using racing car driving games. Games producers appear to rely on the user attaching the wheel to a coffee table or one of the stands offered by a variety of small manufacturers. He became aware that, of the stands available, none give acceptable levels of reality and driver feedback to the user. This motivated him to produce a rigid stand that would be practical in the home.

Regenerate’s role:

The company was introduced to Regenerate’s Lancashire Innovation Network by Business Link for support to manufacture and commercialise the product.

Lancashire Innovation Network (LIN) adviser Brian Corbett assisted with a product review examining; design, methods of manufacture, alternative finishes and its commercial potential. An action plan for LIN was drafted which included, sourcing local suppliers for CNC cutting MDF, powder coating or vinyl wrapping the MDF parts, producing brackets, special sleeve nuts and friction washers.

Martin had produced a simple prototype and engaged services to carry out a patent search and draft a UK patent. Martin submitted this patent which gave patent pending status and fixed the priority date. Recent developments in the market place introduced a need for an alternative model which Martin was able to produce from the existing components. After further advice from two patent attorneys it was established that a second registered design will be needed as soon as funds permit.

Lancashire Innovation Network adviser Michael McNicholas offered advice on e-business development, domain names and an initial web site www.steeringwheelstand.co.uk  The marketing strategy was to test the market via e-bay and once the product and demand are proven, consider offering to the major distributors.

The product design and methods of manufacture where finalised and Martin secured firm quotations for all items. This enabled the commercial potential to be considered alongside Martins forecast of sales. From this information LIN assisted Martin to undertake his initial business plan for the project.

The positive outcome of this milestone triggered the next step in the LIN action plan to study the patent and arrange a meeting with a patent attorney to provide advice to Martin on IP protection.  A draft patent was incorporated and through advice from patent attorneys was modified to incorporate new and significant improvements made to the product.

Martin launched the product in October 2011 at a gaming exhibition in London at the MCM Expo. The UK’s premium consumer entertainment show offering visitors a mix of movie, TV and video games.

Impact:

The company’s aim is to establish a manufacturing plant in Preston to enable them to efficiently produce the current and forecast orders. It is anticipated that this will create 1 – 4 new jobs within 2 years.

Continued Support:

Sales and feedback has been very strong with products being shipped throughout the UK and beyond. This outcome has proven both the product and market demand, giving the confidence to develop the business further. The company’s growth strategy is being reviewed to identify a marketing plan and evaluate new products. Registered design is being secured for the USA and distributors are being identified in the domestic and export markets.