Babynobumps Ltd was created by me, Susan Port, after successfully gaining the licence to sell the product throughout the UK and EU.

I am what is known as a ‘Granprenuer’, raising three sons as a single parent. I worked as a manager for Royal Mail until I was medically retired in 2005 due to ill health.

I looked after my grandchildren (aged between 6 months and 4 years) on an ad-hoc basis and was extremely cautious about returning them to their parents with nasty bumps to their heads.

I hit on the idea of a soft little hat to protect their vulnerable heads and set about trying to design one . I contacted the Patent Office but was dismayed to see that it had already been invented by a lady in Canada.

I was not going to give up as I had always wanted to run my own business, and was looking to do something positive and rewarding with my life and what better way to achieve these aims and goals than protecting the very vulnerable in our society – the babies and young children.

I also discovered that over half a million children a year go to hospital as a result of an accident – and that is just the ones that are reported.

I decided to contact the lady in Canada, and, after fierce negotiations I managed to secure the rights to retail Babynobumps – hence Babynobumps Ltd was born.

I did some market research and found such a positive response that I just knew this new, and unique product was for me.

I struggled to find funding for the business as I apparently live in an ‘affluent’ area – even though I am not affluent.

So I had to sell the idea to my father who very generously lent me the money to set up – I  will always be extremely grateful to him for his belief and support not just in the product but in me.

I launched Babynobumps at the prestigious Earls Court Baby Show in London, and although I received a positive response and feedback it was extremely difficult competing against the ‘big guys’ such as Mothercare and FisherPrice.

Marketing it very expensive, and for a new business it is almost impossible to fund – the way round this, I found was to attend Gifts and Treats shows, advertise on local free websites and visit lots of playgroups etc – and of course, get the local papers involved. This seems to have worked for me, as the hardest part of any business is letting people know you exist! (I could stand on a street corner giving away £5 notes, but if no one knows you are there……..)

This is an ideal opportunity for a home based business as you have to carry very little stock and I already have several distributors in Wolverhampton and Ireland. To find out more, visit www.Babynobumps.ltd.uk