Paul Kelso
Architect and Inventor, Holywood

The Benefits:
Taking a prototype from test to manufacturing reality, capable of commercialisation, Paul Kelso’s single tree hammock design is now patent pending with a recognised global market potential. Whilst discussions are taking place for a licensing arrangement to enable the product to go into mass manufacture, Paul is also considering options to sell the intellectual property rights for his invention to the right buyer.

The Company:
Paul Kelso is a chartered architect who lives and works in Holywood Co Down and was short listed for the Royal Institute of British Architects’ Housing Design Awards 1999. Like many of us, Paul was drawn to a hammock’s unique relaxation experience but also like many of us was never able to overcome the obstacle of having two trees the right distance apart.

The Project:
Paul was determined to find a solution to the hammock support problem and over the course of many years set about achieving his vision that would bring a simple yet ingenious idea into reality. He drew on his considerable architectural training to design a system that would be capable of suspending a hammock from a single strut and tie support and enlisted the additional expertise of a tight group of close friends and family. Despite a wealth of technical expertise, like many innovative ideas there is a vast difference between producing a successful prototype and turning it into a manufacturing reality capable of commercialisation. It was at this juncture that Paul sought the help of MTP.

Making it Happen:

• MTP
• Invest NI - Innovation Credit
• Invest Ni - Design Group
• Queen's University
• University of Ulster
• NWIFHE

Paul was referred to MTP by the “Invest NI Design Group.” A Field Officer visited Paul to discuss how MTP could add value and recommended the Invest NI Innovation Credits scheme. With this financial support, Paul was able to proceed with product development, acquire some vital tools and engage a local engineering firm to produce a specially designed machined-end for his strut and to purchase marine and mountaineering grade cord and rope materials for testing. Queen’s University and University of Ulster were engaged to carry out some crucial impact energy absorption and load testing on the strut system which proved successful for use by one or two occupants. He also received confirmation that the hammock satisfied CE Marking requirements for general product safety.

The Result...
Not surprisingly, interest in Paul’s invention has been growing. He has appeared on the Tomorrow’s World, Best Inventions programme, where his hammock was voted “Best Invention” by the BBC’s panel of experts. As a result of his TV appearance, he has received an avalanche of global emails, with invitations for the product to be included in website portfolios and mail order catalogues and has also met with senior buyers from John Lewis Store in London.

Paul Kelso:
“MTP became involved at a vital part of the product development process. They gave me the impetus that I needed to move the project on to the next stage. The team and in particular my Field Officer were just fantastic to work with. In every way, they were supportive and enthusiastic for the project and I simply could not have transformed this idea into a commercial reality without them.”