© 2006 Toyk Design Ltd
Bolton Boy Becomes Big-
Gary Bostock from Bolton, Lancashire turns his ideas and inventions into a business
Gary Bostock, a 37 year old automotive and aeronautical design engineer from Bolton, has decided to turn his ideas and inventions into a business. Inspired by such television programmes as Dragons’ Den where entrepreneurs pitch their ideas to investors in the hope of receiving money to fund their dreams, Gary made the decision it was now or never.
“Although I have a good job,” said Gary “I just did not want to work for someone else for the rest of my life.” A quote which many people have probably said, but few have actually done anything about.
Forming Toyk Design was the Gary’s first step on the road to success. The second step was to find an investor who liked the ideas and had the money to make the dream a reality. After having various investors interested, and also looking into the possibility of a small business loan, Gary settled on an investor who he thought could offer not only the investment but also the experience of previously running businesses.
Not having a great deal of business experience did not daunt Gary as he knew he could learn quickly. An advantage Gary had was his design and manufacture experience. “From what I have learnt in my career it seemed the right thing to do as I have a big advantage over most people because I can do the whole process from design concept to production,” adding a final comment as if to prove his new business knowledge, “without paying other consultants.”
Picnic Coasters are one idea Gary has taken to production. They are plastic coasters with a detachable spike which, when pushed into the ground, create a flat, stable location for drinks when on a picnic or at outdoor events. Another idea, which is presently in prototype stage, is a puzzle cube called Slube. Gary has already thought of another puzzle concept but will wait until Slube has been launched before progressing further with this second puzzle.
Gary is planning to help other designers and inventors take their ideas forward, and hopes that he will be approached by people wanting his help, advice and experience.
Notes to Editor:
Gary Bostock started his career as a pattern maker and after serving time in the Royal Navy, moved on to work for the sports car manufacturer TVR. From there he made the transition to becoming a consultant automotive design engineer progressing to working in aircraft design.