Cashflow's small business heroes
22.05.12
WHEN David Walliams swam the Thames last year, the watch he used to record his
strokes was a unique British product called called PoolMate.
It was dreamed up by Swimovate founder Lisa Irlam five years ago and since it
was first off the blocks in 2009, PoolMate has sold in over 60 countries.
Name of business: Swimovate Ltd ( swimovate.com )
Founder: Lisa Irlam, 43, Wraysbury, Midlesex
What is the core business? Watches for swimmers that count laps and
strokes automatically and give speed and distance metrics.
How and when was it started? My husband and I are triathletes and
looked for something that would give us some feedback for our swimming. We
were used to cycle computers and speed and distance watches for running so
wanted something similar for swimming. We realised there was nothing on the
market so decided to develop the PoolMate.
What was the inspiration? I was made redundant so it was the ideal
time. I knew I would have regrets if I saw a similar product in the shops in
a couple of years time.
Source: The Sun
