Inflatable speaker company set for expansion

24 April 2002 News

The secret of business success, so it is said, is to have the right, bright idea at the right time. The cliche has proved true for Joe Stephens who, only one year ago, was the typical financially struggling student. Now he is already reaping financial rewards for the novel inflatable speakers he devised while studying industrial design and technology at Loughborough University in the English Midlands.

Stephens design uses the latest flat-panel speaker technology under licence from its creators, NXT, one of the world's leading companies in hi-fi innovation. "The speakers can take any conceivable shape which makes them a perfect lifestyle or promotional product," he said. "We have taken a static object and turned it into something that is stylish, fun and unique."

The 'blow-up' speaker system was awarded the prize of Best Innovative Product at the National Incentive Show 2001 which showcases promotional products and concepts. The speakers can take almost any form, from a drinks can to a bottle, chocolate bar, even a car and a football shirt. Ellula Sounds, a university spin-off company, was set up to further develop the idea and it recently secured an exclusive partnership deal with beer giant Budweiser to use the speakers to promote its product worldwide.

In addition to being able to recreate any shape in solid coloured or transparent plastic, the speakers are claimed to produce perfect quality, multidirectional stereo sound. "We aim to offer our customers the best combination of design and quality sound reproduction," said Stephens, pictured left with Andrew Garner from the venture-capital house, Maxim Corporate.

For further information contact Ellula Sounds, 0944 1509 260808, enquiries@ellulasounds.co.uk

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