Pennine Lancashire Business News Articles

No holding back Louvretie

Louvretie UK Ltd was registered by David Howarth in October 2008, with an aim to wholesale the new and unique tie-back product specifically designed and tested for vertical window blinds. The company had one patent pending initially, and a plan to sell the product both to the trade and as a retail item by website or mail order. A small trial tool was commissioned by David.

David approached Burnley Enterprise Haven for help, and attended the “Enterprise Island” training event, where he was introduced to the DDU No Limits Eureka scheme. Eureka has assisted him to commission 3D CAD solid models to facilitate toolmaking, strength analysis of the design, and illustrations for registered design and marketing purposes. Further assistance has been given with a prototype injection moulding tool, and a display stand. Part funding has been awarded by Eureka towards the work. The product is now in production with an initial order for 5,000.

Eureka is also assisting Louvretie to prepare a patent application to cover the new design and the company intends to use Eureka assistance to upgrade its present brochure type website to a full e-commerce site as soon as funds allow.

On the strength of these developments, a first sale of 5,000 units has been made to a large supplier of window furnishings to the trade, with predictions of two more orders in 2009.