Brolly good idea

A REVOLUTIONARY safety umbrella designed in Oldham is about to hit the market nationwide.

Justin Case is a registered design by bother and sister Antony and Claire Cummins, from Hollinwood, who have established a business with help from their father, John.

The umbrellas — the first batch of 1,000 have been imported from China — are ready for despatch to retailers who are showing interest in the high-visibility product with its distinctive bright yellow colour and reflective strips.

Antony, (30), told Chronicle Business: “We have taken six months getting ready to take this product to market, but we know from our research that there is a demand.”

Claire, (18), who is combining her college studies with marketing the umbrellas, added: “Our prototypes have been well received everywhere I have been.

“We initially saw these umbrellas being used by motorists but there is also a demand from campers and walkers, in fact anyone who wants to be seen at night.”

The idea came to mind when Antony called his dad for help one winter’s evening after his car broke down in Coal Pit Lane.

“My dad came out and almost ran me over in the dark and rain,” said Anthony.

“That got us both to thinking about safety and keeping dry and we came up with Justin Case.”

Initially they converted an old umbrella by having a colleague stitch reflective strips to the fabric and it worked so well they took the next step.

He was disappointed at being unable to source a British manufacturer but accepts the reality of the situation and is now ready to take the umbrellas to market.

He and Claire have an exhibition stand booked at a classic car show in Peterborough and, in addition to hitting the phones to the big retailers and starting an advertising campaign, they also intend visiting horse shows, camping exhibitions and outdoor events to promote what they see is a winning product.

Says Claire: “We will have a website up and running soon. We both believe that we are on to a winner and that there will be a big demand.”