What was your first business and what happened to it?

My first business was designing and selling furniture in the late 90's.  It was great fun and kept me busy during the holidays at university and away from the supermarket checkout! However it became apparent that there was not a lot of money in it, and mass production was the area to exploit my developing design skills.

Where did the idea for Trunki come from?

The catalyst was entering a national luggage design competition while studying design. I went looking for inspiration in a department store and, having found little of interest in the luggage section, I wandered into the toy department. It was here I noticed the amount of wasted space used in the design of ride-on toys.  I started using production techniques from the luggage industry to solve design and function issues in the ride-on toy market - this was my eureka moment. Having observed bored children in airports around the world, I knew I was on to a winner.

What do you find the hardest part of your business?

Finding time! There just aren't enough hours in the day. My social life is practically non-existent and I haven't had a proper holiday for over 3 years. However, it's an incredible roller-coaster ride and I'm having the time of my life.

Tell us about the children's tv programme you've been on recently?

We were invited to host an episode of CBBC's Beat the Boss, which asked three ‘bright sparks' (9-11 year olds) and three big shots (adult entrepreneurs) to come up with a piece of hand luggage that would win over 25 voting kids. They pitched their idea to me in an Apprentice meets Dragons Den style shoot.The kids won, much to the embarrassment of the ‘big shots!'

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