Member Article

North East firm develop gloves solution for smartphones

Phil Mundy, owner and creator of iPrints.

Northumberland based iPrints has designed the only retro fit solution that enables any pair of gloves to become iPhone compatible.

With the help of business support organisation Entrust, and the Finance for Business North East Microloan Fund, the company has been able to take their product from proof of concept to production.

The innovative solution involves an adhesive device that sticks to the finger of any glove, allowing you to use capacitive touch screen technology, commonly used in Smartphone and tablet devices.

Philip Mundy, owner and creator of iPrints, said: “The North East Micro Loan Fund has meant that we can begin full production of iPrints - beforehand we had only been able to fund a prototype.

“This also meant we could begin to speak to distributors and we have recently signed a contract with a major UK distributor.

“Our market testing has gone well. We’re initially aiming iPrints at the winter sports market but it also has massive potential with drivers, motor-bikers and horse riders and within the protective work-wear sector.”

Ric Charnley, Portfolio Executive, Entrust said: “This was a fantastic opportunity to invest in a company that had an innovative product and clear business plan.

“Philip had identified a real gap in the market and we are delighted to have been able to help him.”

The Finance for Business North East Microloan Fund was launched in summer 2011 to assist micro and small businesses and has provided an important lifeline to over 200 companies seeking finance.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .