Walking Aids

INVEST Essex - Essex's Inward Investment Team

A chance meeting with a Danish inventor at a party was the start of Leah Hunter’s entrepreneurial journey, and with the continued support of the Essex Innovation Network (EIN), Leah is about to launch a new device for the blind called VizCane onto the open market through her company, Somerwood Walking Aids, based in Saffron Walden.

Her basic concept was simply a patent she’d bought from the inventor when she was accepted onto the Essex Innovation Network’s (EIN) Developing Innovative Business Programme, but with the Proof of Concept funding she has subsequently been helped to secure from the East of England Development Agency (EEDA), she’s been able to see the concept become a reality. With the help of an expert design team, she now has a prototype ready, with a product launch due imminently - all with the help and guidance of a specialist mentor provided by the EIN. Through the support programme she’s also had the opportunity to make some very useful industry contacts through networking and introductions.

I didn’t realise how much help is out there for people wanting to start in business. I’ve never run a business myself, and didn’t appreciate everything it involves. The guidance on running a business and everything it entails is tremendous. They allow so much interaction, which is really helpful. Everyone is so normal and approachable, and no one makes you feel stupid for phoning and asking questions.

It’s an illuminated, battery-powered walking cane for use by visually impaired and blind persons. The objective of the cane is to make these people more visible to others at night, in the rain or fog, or even on busy pavements, so it lights up in sections.

For more information about the Essex Technology & Innovation Centre and support available through the EIN programmes contact:
Sarah Bell
Tel: 01245 702465
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Website: http://www.essexinnovation.co.uk