Young Enterprise Company Designs Innovative Child-Friendly Pop-Up Umbrella
Posted On: 03/03/15
A group of 24 sixth form students, one of three teams at CRGS participating in the Young Enterprise scheme, are launching a new umbrella that breaks the mould of traditional design in an effort to provide a safer product for young children. Working under the brand name of “Cats and Dogs Umbrellas”, the team have created a design that utilises a pop-up mechanism, allowing for a smooth rim around the edge of the umbrella, reducing accidents caused by metal spokes.
Design director, James Nightingale says “The rounded lip of the design makes the umbrella safer than a conventional folding umbrella – preventing nasty pokes in the eyes! The highly reflective tape on the rim of the canvas also ensures young children are seen in the dark.”
The students are now in negotiation with a professional manufacturer and have made good use of alumni to initiate contact with leading children’s retailer Mothercare for further support and development of their product.
Interest for their product is growing, with the local press now taking an interest. We wish them well as they work hard to take their product to market and their company to the north east Essex final. Look out for more news on our other Young Enterprise companies soon.
