Sky's the limit for Guisborough luggage protector business

A Guisborough-based luggage protector startup has landed a major deal with an airport retailer which will see its products in 12 outlets across the UK.

The Suitcase Saver was launched last year by Karen Duncan and is a provider of lightweight customisable luggage covers.

Karen received support from Redcar Enterprise Team through concept stages to manufacture and is now providing advice on growth.

A further two international supply deals in Spain and Belgium are pending and Karen says she hopes the progress will allow her to follow her dream and create local jobs.

She said: “I’d love to resurrect the manufacturing skills that were lost with the closure of the Burtons’ clothing factory in the town.

“I’d love nothing more than to grow the company, open a factory in Guisborough and have the covers manufactured by the people who were employed at Burtons – many of them women, resurrecting a manufacturing trade before it’s too late.”

The Suitcase Saver began life last year with the production of 750 luggage covers which were demonstrated at the Ideal Homes Exhibition in Glasgow and Earls Court in London.

The luggage covers are made from lightweight waterproof material with elastic on the bottom to fit two or four-wheeled cases and a drawstring top with a specially-designed and patented lockable toggle which allows airport security staff to check and resecure luggage with a TSA approved padlock provided within the price.

The bags can be customised with logos or advertising and Karen sees this as a potential growth area, and says with nine million people in the air at any one time it’s an advertising opportunity that’s definitely worth exploring.

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →