Drum Runner

Martin Flack from Woodseats knew he had come up with a great new invention that would make life as an electrician so much easier, but when it came to hunting out new sales leads and getting his product known he was in the dark.

 

But help was at hand, thanks to the Enterprise Match team, who were able to shed some light on the matter.

 

Martin’s invention, ‘Drum Runner’ is a fixed stand that reels of electrical cabling can be slotted onto, allowing them to be unwound quickly, and with much less effort than unrolling the cables by hand. The stand also makes work safer, and tidier as it means the cables are secured and not trailing across the floor, risking a potential hazard. The stand is also easy to assemble and fits into a standard toolbox.

 

Martin knew there was demand for his invention as the first batch he made flew off the shelves in his electrical wholesale shop in Burngreave.

 

That’s where the enterprise team's experienced sales managers stepped in, and helped Martin figure out his next move. They looked at what was working well and what wasn’t.

 

Martin said: “I’d realised there was a market there for me to sell Drum Runner commercially, as the first few I put in my shop sold out pretty quickly. The problem though, was knowing how I could reach more customers - other than the ones that came into my shop!

 

“The teamwere fantastic, and really knew what they were talking about, they helped me develop an action plan, set up a website www.drum-runner.com and even made some of the sales pitches to retailers for me.

 

“And if ever I have any questions or need some advice, they are always there to help and point me in the right direction.”

 

With the right support, things are definitely looking up for Martin, and he has since negotiated media coverage of his new product in a national magazine read by electricians and wholesalers across the country; linked up with a national retailer who now stock his product in 300 branches; as well as arrange a stall at a busy trade show taking place this September. His sales are also looking hopeful too, with Martin being well on his way to making his 1000th sale since January.

 

Enterprise Director, Kevin Bennett, said: “When we first got in touch with Martin, he had all the elements of creating a successful business - his product worked, and there was proven interest in it, but capitalising on this interest and turning it into sales was where the team came in.

 

“Martin now has a clear plan of where to take his business next, as well as plenty of promising prospects in the pipeline and I wish him the very best of luck!”

 

The Enterprise Match Team offers advice and support on sales and marketing to new business owners, to help them develop the skills and confidence to boost sales and grow their business.

 

The support available from the team includes: