Dawes Ltd: Our purpose is to find engineering solutions to push the boundaries of road safety for industry and vulnerable road users alike.
I don't think I'd be where I am today without the Enterprise M3 Growth Hub. Mike's assistance has been invaluable in helping me to fine-tune my business proposition and promote the Dawes Guard more widely. I've received some fantastic coverage in the media,as well as expressions of interest from several parties.
James Dawes, Dawes Ltd
Summary
When James Dawes was working for the Metropolitan Police, he saw first-hand the dangers of central London's busy road network. He had to attend several serious accidents involving cyclists and pedestrians colliding with lorries and falling underneath the vehicle.
After he retired from the force in 2014, he set about designing a revolutionary road device that could significantly reduce injuries and fatalities caused by this type of collision.
That was the catalyst for the birth of Dawes Highway Safety, which recently launched its flagship DawesGuard innovation to the market. The apparatus fits neatly between the axles of lorry wheels and, unlike any standard under-run bar, actually makes contact with the road surface thereby preventing the vehicle's wheels from passing over any person on the ground.
Utilising patented technology, the fully retractable system makes constant contact with the road surface, although the driver can control and retract the system when the vehicle is deployed in off-road environments such as building sites and quarries.
The innovation has successfully completed a trial with construction firm Keltbray Group, which will eventually fit the system to its new fleet of vehicles. The aim now for Dawes Highway is to target other construction fleet companies and original equipment manufacturers in a bid to rapidly scale up revenues.
Challenges
For a start-up operation, Dawes Highway has come a long way in a relatively short space of time but James has had a helping hand to get him to this point.
Despite having a good idea protected by a watertight set of patents, he couldn't get people to take him seriously at first. He also needed the necessary support that any entrepreneur starting his first venture would require.
How We Helped
After a long search,he was directed towards the Enterprise M3 Growth Hub, which introduced him to an experienced business mentor who could help him navigate the pitfalls that stood in his way.
Our Growth Champion,Mike O'Dwyer, helped James evaluate and re-write his business plans so that they included clear, measurable aims and objectives. Mike's assistance has also included advice on cash flow management, financial forecasting and how to promote the product to potential customers. James has now recruited a PR specialist and social media expert to help him step up his marketing drive.Mike also signposted James to other sources of assistance where appropriate.
Mike has been a great sounding board to bounce ideas off. He has also used his extensive network of contacts to recommend consultants and specialists who can advise me in areas of their expertise.
The best thing about the Growth Hub is that it doesn't take a one-size-fits-all approach. It tailors advice and guidance to the needs of specific individuals and their business proposition.
Now I'm ready to take my business to a new level. The financial potential of my product is massive and I'm looking forward to realising my dreams with continued help from Mike.
James Dawes, Dawes Ltd
Results
James said: "I don't think I'd be where I am today without the Enterprise M3 Growth Hub. Mike's assistance has been invaluable in helping me to fine-tune my business proposition and promote the Dawes Guard more widely. I've received some fantastic coverage in the media, as well as expressions of interest from several parties.
"Mike has been a great sounding board to bounce ideas off. He has also used his extensive network of contacts to recommend consultants and specialists who can advise me in areas of their expertise.
"The best thing about the Growth Hub is that it doesn't take a one-size-fits-all approach. It tailors advice and guidance to the needs of specific individuals and their business proposition.
"Now I'm ready to take my business to a new level. The financial potential of my product is massive and I'm looking forward to realising my dreams with continued help from Mike."
