Clever products for the gardening market are being launched this year by 4 Leaves Innovation, a company started by Peter Manning to bring his design ideas to market.
One such idea is Wellito, a cover and carrier for Wellington boots that uses a spring grip to clench a pair of boots together at the top.
The cover allows the boots to be kept outdoors, helping to keep rain, leaves and pests from getting inside.
Manning said he went through 10 prototypes and worked with Rashmin Shet of consultancy firm Abyss UK to source low-cost manufacturing.
“Last June I started looking for potential supplier overseas,” said Manning. “I approached Rashmin, who I have known for years, to find the right supplier in India.”
Abyss found the Indian supplier, negotiated prices and then handled manufacturing stages from tool design to sample approval.
Manning said: “I was pleased with Abyss support throughout the project, especially the first offs which were on time and almost 90 percent complete.”
For another product, the rain can, 4 Leaves has chosen a Welsh manufacturer. This is because there is little assembly needed, so labour costs are less significant, said Manning.
The rain can is a 7-liter (1.8-gallon) watering can that nests and stacks, which saves spaces in the retail and distribution environment. Its green appeal also comes from a design feature that allows rainwater to be harvested while it is not in use.
More products will be developed and launched by 4 Leaves: The next one is a flat-pack rain barrel, it said.