Many people's knee jerk reaction to manufacturing in the UK, is that it must be cheaper to have products made in the Far East or Eastern Europe. Are they right?  Let's look at the big picture.

Consider that for many products a significant part of the production cost is the cost of labour. If we run a lean, state of the art machine and automate as much as possible to keep labour costs at a minimum, then there is no reason why British manufacture cannot be competitive on price. In addition it is only a matter of time before the Chinese labour force demand better wages.

Not only is it cost effective, there are actually advantages in local manufacture, including significant risk reduction and lower carbon footprint. 

I frequently meet with budding inventors to offer help and advice. This is usually a pleasure, particularly when they are on to something really exciting (No, I'm not going to tell you what!). However, when they do the big reveal - and it's a no hoper, or their big idea has already been out there for years, then it is less of a delight. I'm faced with the task of letting them down gently. That is not a skill that I am particularly good at, especially if they find reality hard to accept. I don't believe in leading people on with kind words if they are wasting their effort and, more importantly, their money.

I see a spectacular range in quality of ideas.

People come to me with brilliant commercially viable and well thought out ideas, complete with an impressive business plan. They are determined to succeed and passionately committed to their projects.  Whilst others are equally passionate and committed to lemons.

The difference between them is homework.  It saddens me to see such energy wasted on projects that are not properly researched. By this I mean finding answers to the questions: Does this product fulfil a real need  that can't be overcome in an alternative, cheaper way? Can it be manufactured? Is the cost of production capable of achieving a selling price that the market will bare? Will enough people  be willing to part with hard-earned cash, for this product to be a viable business proposition of interest to investors?

All these answers are essential if you are going to proceed. Thomas Edison said "Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration". The same applies to invention. 

I look forward to seeing many more enthusiastic inventors but if I trample over your idea with two left feet, my apologies in advance. I've got your best interests at heart.

Twitter.com/mandyhaberman
Facebook.com/anywayupcup

My advice to other mums wanting to combine motherhood with a new business idea.
 
Starting a business is going to be tough. It’s going to involve a lot of juggling and compromise. You will probably feel pretty stressed out. On the other hand, it will take you into the world of grownups again, provide stimulating balance to your life, be intellectually and, hopefully, financially rewarding. So, first of all, ask yourself if you really, REALLY want to do this? If the answer is passionately ‘Yes’ – then read on.

1. Check your proposed product or service fulfils a need that can’t be met in a cheaper way – otherwise no one will buy it.

2. Invest in a babysitter for the day and visit the Business and IP Centre at the British Library. They will guide you through the whole process and equip you with all necessary skills, including searching their incredibly useful data bases www.bl.uk/bipc/

3. If you are creating something original, look at the UK Intellectual Property office website to see what intellectual property rights can be used to protect it www.ipo.gov.uk If you need a patent, don’t skimp and try to write it yourself – it’s a job for professionals. Go to www.cipa.org.uk

4. Women frequently have difficulty in talking themselves ‘up’. Even if we are brilliant at doing something, we tend to say’ I’m quite good at…’ So, believe in yourself. Go to these websites for truly female inspiration, motivation and encouragement go to www.moretolifethanshoes.com and also, www.shesingenious.org

5. Finally, make sure that you have the support of your family and friends.

6. Go for it!
And never doubt your ability to succeed....




Mandy Haberman is a successful entrepreneur and inventor. She invented the Anywayup® cup, the first non-spill cup, in the early Nineties. The cup has had phenomenal worldwide success selling millions of units a year.

Mandy has won many prestigious awards for her innovative inventions and was recognized by HM Queen Elizabeth as a ‘Pioneer to the Life of the Nation’ in 2003.

www.mandyhaberman.com