Mark Champkins
The idea
After studying product design at the Royal College of Art, Mark Champkins went on to research the design of school furniture, equipment and other educational products. He found that although money was being invested in modernising school buildings, many students still had problems concentrating in class.
Convinced that product design could help tackle this problem, he set about developing a range of products that would help children to concentrate during lessons.
Tackling classroom concentration
The idea that product design can be used to improve concentration is simple but powerful. Mark says: "I looked at the reasons why children became distracted, uncomfortable or unable to focus in lessons, and used these insights to design simple, cost-effective products."
Taking part in the Creative Pioneer programme gave Mark the opportunity to refine his business idea with the help of other designers, as well as experts in fields such as accounting and law.
Innovative products
The Concentrate product range includes the Chairpadbag, which combines a bag and cushion to stop children fidgeting on their chairs, and the Bottlecoolerpenholder which encourages children to keep a bottle of water on their desk. The Food for Thought lunchbox protects fruit from damage and was named a 'Best of 2007' product by the Design Museum Shop, which stocks the range.
In 2007 the products were successfully trialled in John Lewis's flagship store on Oxford Street in London, as well as on the retailer's website. In 2008, the range will be nationally rolled out to all John Lewis stores. The Concentrate products will also be making their way onto the shelves in Waitrose supermarkets.
The Dragon's Den experience
Taking part in Dragons' Den, BBC Two's venture capitalist programme, was another highlight of 2007. "Concentrate was going well but I needed to take decisions about the next steps for the company and its strategic direction," explains Mark. "I felt that the experience and expertise of a successful entrepreneur would be invaluable at this stage of my business".
Following a strong business pitch, Mark walked away with £100,000 of investment from entrepreneur Peter Jones. They’re now working together to secure new retailers and explore opportunities for Concentrate to grow and develop.
"I want Concentrate to be at the forefront of design that helps children focus in school, whether that’s creating products that can be used in lessons, or in other areas of school life," says Mark.
Written: December 2007
Individual:
Mark Champkins
Company:
Concentrate
Programme:
Creative Pioneer
Discipline:
Educational product design
Location:
London
Funding:
£35,000 plus £10,000 of high-level consultancy support, awarded in 2006
Year funded:
2004
Website:
www.concentrate.org.uk