Technical Product Development
Surestop Limited, a Midlands-based company, specialise in developing practical solutions to aid effective water shut-off in domestic homes. Recognising the great potential of such a product, the company sought advice and guidance from Birmingham City University’s Faculty of Technology, Engineering and the Environment to develop a simpler, easier-to-install and affordable option to its range.
Through a subsidised, medium-term development project, Birmingham City University were able to help Surestop with market research and technical product development through its in-depth design expertise, materials knowledge and sophisticated equipment resources.
The Client
Surestop water switches are manufactured at Surestop’s headquarters which are located in Erdington, Birmingham. As well as being assembled in the UK, all of Surestop’s components are sourced from the UK.
Since the Surestop was launched in 2001 around 200,000 Surestops have been sold. The Surestop is used extensively in both the domestic and commercial markets both to prevent water damage and to save water. Surestop is specified by numerous Housing Associations, Local Authorities, house builders, contractors and plumbers.
“We had a clear idea of what we wanted to achieve with the product. However, as a small business we have limited resources but collaboration with Birmingham City University allowed us to get our products to market far more quickly.”
Martin Dalton, Inventor of the product and Surestop’s Technical and Development Director
Results
The collaboration led to the development of a water shut-off device called the ‘Surestop Switch’ which made controlling water supply as easy as switching a light on or off – and importantly allowed the user to easily turn off the water supply in an emergency or for safe-guarding purposes.
During 2009, the joint collaboration between Surestop Water Switches and Birmingham City University was awarded a Lord Stafford Award for ‘Achievement in Innovation’.
Benefits
- The product helped company turnover exceed £1million.
- Export opportunities are being discussed on wider level.
- Product success led to the relocation of the business to Erdington.
- Product sales go from strength to strength.
Back to the previous page