Ian Helmore, a water treatment specialist, used 3T RPD Ltd’s prototyping services to produce prototype components for his latest invention; Steri-Spray®, which appeared on Dragon’s Den; BBC TWO's business venture capitalist programme.

During routine water testing at a hospital Ian detected a positive Legionella sample on one of the showers.  Legionnaire's Disease is contracted by inhaling tiny droplets of infected water from showers, spray taps, air conditioning systems and spas, and can be potentially fatal.  The hospital had to take all 50 of their showers out of service for two weeks whilst remedial work and retesting was carried out.  Ian felt this was unacceptable for the welfare of both patients and staff, and as a result he invented the Steri-Spray® range of showers. 

During its development, Ian needed to prototype his design in order to assemble and test it, as well as presenting an aesthetic model of it to potential investors.  He therefore turned to 3T RPD Ltd and used their Rapid Prototyping expertise to obtain prototypes using their Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) technology.  Over 20 individual components that make up the shower system were produced in Nylon, including inserts, tubes, back plates, covers, connectors and the shower rose itself.  The specialist team at 3T then expertly finished and painted the parts, making them look like the final manufactured product.

Ian was able to demonstrate the concept and potential need for the product to be installed in hotels, leisure centres, schools and universities, as well as in hospitals, to the Dragons; a panel of 5 successful multi-millionaire business people.  His pitch was for a £145,000 investment for a 10% stake in his potentially life-saving invention. 

Not all of the Dragon’s were convinced though.  Duncan Bannatyne, who owns a chain of health clubs and hotels, thought the basic idea was flawed and refused to invest.  It wasn’t a good start for Ian, but the other Dragons could see potential in the proposal, and once Ian told them of the impressive profit margins he was forecasting and the true size of the market for his product, Deborah Meaden made an offer for the full amount but asked for a 40% stake.  Theo Paphitis was willing to split the deal with Deborah, and Ian secured the full £145,000 investment for 40% of his business shared between the two Dragons.

This investment meant that Steri-Spray® could move toward production within a very short period of time.  More importantly, Deborah and Theo’s invaluable business experience will assist Ian in making Steri-Spray® become a worldwide commercial brand name.

The patented sterilising system kills the bacteria present in the incoming water supply before it is released through the shower itself.  It also eliminates the bacterial growth problems associated with other showers currently available on the market.  Steri-Spray® showering systems are universal and there is a compatible unit for every type of shower plumbing installation.  The system is invaluable for any institution with a duty of care to their clients.

      

Ian Helmore says “The laser sintering process at 3T was new to me and just what was required to prove that our expensive tooling for Steri-Spray was going to be correct prior to ordering it.  I was given a first rate, personal service by Ashley and all involved at 3T, from the moment I sent the files, to when I received the final finished products.  The finishing process was absolutely superb and done with such attention to detail that people think they are the actual manufactured products.  What a great way to see how your final end product is going to look, at a competitive price.  I am currently working on further Steri-Spray designs and other ‘inventions’, and the designs will, of course, be proven at 3T first.”

 

Further information on the Steri-Spray® range can be obtained from:-

Steri-Spray Ltd

PO Box 271

Baldock

Hertfordshire

SG7 5WU

Tel: +44 (0)1462 491005

Fax: +44 (0)1462 893072
E-mail: enquiries@steri-spray.com

Website: www.steri-spray.com