Member Article

Darts trainer built by Oldham brothers sells 1000 units on first day

An Oldham firm have sold 1000 of their innovative darts training aid to punters who want to improve their accuracy.

DartSight Ltd’s latest product fits on the player’s finger and is then lined up with the target on the dartboard.

The system encourages better positioning and follow-through, training the player’s muscle memory for when the sighter is removed.

Brothers Professor David Needham and Stuart Needham developed the product after meeting with the Greater Manchester Business Growth Hub’s Start team on board the NatWest Business Bus in Oldham in November.

David Needham PhD, a professor & Director of the Centre for Single Particle Science and Engineering at the University of Southern Denmark in Odense, worked with his Oldham-based brother Stuart to create the device after having spent many years playing and practicing the game as an amateur.

Director of DartSight Ltd, Stuart Needham, said: “Sports scientists often talk about training people to develop what is called ‘muscle memory’, doing the same thing on a regular basis. Using DartSight in practice follows exactly that principle – helping players to remember to put their hand in the same starting place every time and to concentrate on what they are aiming at.

“Our trials have shown that this really helps players develop their throwing technique to achieve greater levels of accuracy and when they remove the DartSight and play a game, we find they are copying what they have been practicing.”

Business Growth Hub Growth Start Up advisor Andrew Nickeas said: “Darts is one of the most popular sports in the world today, with increasing numbers playing and watching the game, so DartSight truly does have global potential. Stuart and David have used their own passion for darts, combined with their engineering expertise, to create a unique device to help darts players, from beginners to professionals.

“Like all the best ideas, DartSight is a brilliant simple concept and we’re now working with the business to ensure that they make the very most of their brand and product, using a range of tools from social media and mentoring to developing a long-term business plan to ensure the longevity and profitability of the business.”

The Business Growth Hub and its partners currently deliver products and services that include the Manufacturing Advisory Service, UKTI, Access to Finance, UK Start-Up Loans, NW Business Angels, Manchester Business Loans, ENWORKS and mentoring programmes plus a range of networking and specialist growth events.

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