BreezeBlog

Amongst the numerous "Congratulations" cards that we received over the last few days the postman also delivered a 2nd prototype from RBF Industries. Testing and inspection started immediately on this MkII version of their component. Albeit, this time we had to work around Tom's Moses basket in the middle of the lounge.

First impressions....well the last major mechanical problem that we'd been grappling with on the whole of the product looked to have been solved.

So, we started to work out how to remove components from the Mk II, saving on product weight, cost, raw materials, packing volume, shipping costs.

Gordon Rice from CorinTech was amongst the first to inspect it and was suitably impressed.

We started to map out the supply chain timetable for component delivery. Those with longest lead times get ordered first (some are already on order). We were assisted by our 3-year old, who thought it would be helpful to start a game of deck quoits in the lounge using Gordon as one of the targets.

However, we got a plan together for bringing all the components together over the next 6-10 weeks, and putting samples together for EMC and ESD test - part of the CE mark process.

Of course, there is a possibility that following the electrical safety tests we may need to make modifications to the PCB, but we'll cross that bridge if it arises.

So, starting tomorrow, we'll be specifying the final changes to the fan enclosure tools and settling on final changes to the PCB design.

What's that light? Must be the end of the tunnel !!

So far on the BreezeBlog we've talked extensively about the design, prototyping and tooling for the SleepBreeze personal cooler. Essentially, the physical essence of what we are trying to make for you, our customers.

Concentrating on the physical components - sexy as this may be - gives a rather narrow picture of the day-to-day work that goes on at SleepBreeze Ltd.

Those of you running small businesses will be all too familiar with the mound of paperwork that has to dealt with....VAT returns, Annual Return, Annual Accounts, website administration, WEE, legislation updates, stock control,....

Of course we'd all sink without trace without people to help us. So, time to meet some of the team!

One of the most important - possibly THE most important asset - that any company has is knowledge. This needs looking after, nurturing, and if needs be, defending.

It's no different at SleepBreeze. The concept and design for an environmentally friendly personal cooler, suitable for all ages and numerous environments, with customers spread across the world needs looking after.

At a more human level... if you invest your life savings in developing a product, then best to have some backup!

Enter Patrick Wheeler, our legal eagle with immense practical experience in the area of Intellectual Property.

As a startup, finding our feet, we approached Patrick, a partner at central London law firm Collyer Bristow to see if they could help with a variety of legal issues the firm would face over the coming years. Patrick and his colleagues saw the potential for our product and wanted to see it succeed.

Since then Patrick has been working alongside us, steering us through a range of thorny issues with calm efficiency. Most recently, he's been working on the Terms & Conditions for our online shop, and also working with our Patent Attorney on patenting the SleepBreeze personal cooler.

Of course, Patrick has yet to face the ultimate challenge - a game of Uno with our three-year old. She's brought other city lawyers to their knees. So Patrick...you best start practicing!

Whilst blogging Collyer Bristow, it is worth mentioning the amazing art gallery they have in their London offices. We regularly receive invitations to the gallery - one in particular - helped launched Ondanzul UK. Having read one of the descriptions of this event on GlobeTrotters we think that working with Collyer Bristow in the coming years will be anything but dull!

Who knows, we may even be able to slip the SleepBreeze personal cooler into the gallery sometime!

On Monday we contacted RBF Industries with a view to making some improvements to their Mk II prototype. I have to say I was very surprised to receive the result delivered to me less than 2 days later. Ok, part of this is that with each prototype builds on previous success, so the "tweaks" are simpler each time. But 2 days !

Taking components out has improved the component in a number of ways.

Manufacturing in the UK is more expensive than China - that's a function of labour rates. So we have to keep an even closer eye on the cost of components and find smart ways to reduce the number of processes and raw materials needed. Processes take time, and as per the old cliche, "Time is Money".

Having this mind set also means that if we can make a product with less components, then we save on raw materials, so this should reduce the impact of our business on the environment. Next, less components, means less weight. So, shipping costs come down. And if you're a backpacker, then you carry less weight when you take the SleepBreeze personal cooler on your next expedition. Likewise with the packed-up volume of the product.

We've also found that the MkIII prototype has better performance. Switching it on this morning I was pleasantly surprised that, as we get close to the final design for our first production run, the product has really come on leaps and bounds in recent weeks.

I think that it's fair to say that the only thing left to decide about this component is "What colour?"

One of the most frequent questions I get is "How noisy is the product?" Well, the simple answer is that you can't move air without making some noise. But the product is not at all noisy.

Thinking back to my first ever media interview about the product on BBC Radio Solent (see our homepage for the downloadable interview) listeners may have thought they were listening to a jet engine!

So, why was that? Well the simple reason is as follows:

I have a very quiet speaking voice. Clear, but quiet.

There were 2 microphones in the studio. Georgie Windsor, the presenter, used the one that was suspended above the table. I used the one that was on the tabletop. The sound engineer progressively turned up the sensitivity of my mic until my voice matched Georgie's. I'm not saying she speaks loudly, it's just I speak quite quietly.

When we demo'd the product it was sat adjacent to my mic. As Homer Simpson would have put it... "DOH!"

The end result is there for you to hear on the download! Well, you live and learn.

And whilst on the subject of radio... the most popular programme in the SleepBreeze office is undoubtedly Simon Bate's Breakfast show on ClassicFM. Simon's music selections have seen us through plenty of triumphs and setbacks during the design of the SleepBreeze personal cooler.

And from time-to-time we I enter the "Identity Crisis" competition. When you work alone in the office, it's not so much about winning, more about connecting with folk. As someone who's never won a competition I had to be picked up off the floor one morning when Simon announced me as the winner. WOW!

And even better, Simon kindly offered some advice by email: "Andy, when you suffer an industrial accident at work, make sure you immediately call the 2 main emergency services: the Human Resources and Health & Safety departments."

Nice one, Simon.