Product Business of the Year 2011

Founded: 2003 Founder: Rob Law Turnover 2010: £2.3m Turnover 2011: £4.3m Web: www.magmatic.co.uk

Magmatic Ltd is best known for the Trunki suitcase, which was the brainchild of founder Rob Law while studying product design at university. The ride-along suitcase – which is widely credited for having taken the pain out of overseas travel with young children – made its name on Dragons’ Den. Although it failed to secure investment, the Trunki is frequently named by Duncan Bannatyne and Peter Jones as the ‘one that got away’. Having started trading through just two retailers in Bristol in 2006, Magmatic’s Trunki is now sold in over 60 countries worldwide. A series of children’s travel products based on the mentality that ‘parents buy products while children become friends with them’ followed. These include the Boostapak (a backpack which converts into a child’s car booster seat), which featured on The Apprentice 2011, where it secured Team Venture a record-breaking sale to a Parisian retailer – winning them the task. Having faced several setbacks in its foundation – including being turned down by all the major luggage manufacturers, and then by the major toy manufacturers – Magmatic is a real success story. The business now employs 20 staff and this summer sold its millionth Trunki. Furthermore, Law has been given an MBE for his achievements.

Judges’ Comments: The judges awarded this highly competitive category to Magmatic because they continue to expand their range of truly original products. Their multi-million turnover doubled last year and the judges expect it to continue to grow substantially.

Rob Law MBE Creator & Designer of Trunki said, “It’s an honour to be recognised as the Fast Growth Product of the Year. Magmatic has not only grown in size but almost doubled their turnover year on year. The growth and level of innovation we are reaching concludes that British business has a lot to be proud of and we are proud to be a part of that.”

www.trunki.com