Baylis is left needing to invent a new strategy

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At least that seems to be the message from Trevor Baylis Brands (TBB), the firm set up by Trevor Baylis, the eccentric best-known for inventing the wind-up radio.

It was established to encourage a "culture of invention" by helping people with bright ideas to avoid many of the legal and commercial pitfalls Baylis experienced when bringing his own inventions to market.

But it was today forced to write to its shareholders to explain the state of play — and it didn't make happy reading. Chairman Alan Hindley said just 40 of the 4400 ideas it has processed are developed. Only five have made it to market, including the can't-do-without Brick Cutter.

The Slip Guardian, a tool which monitors how slippery floors are in places such as supermarkets and airports, is due to be featured on the Chris Evans show on Radio 2 tonight.
Asked if the TBB business model was a success, Hindley today admitted: "Well, yes and no."
The firm is breaking even but only because Hindley, Baylis and three executive directors are working for free. It raised £450,000 when it listed on the Plus Market in 2006 but this, according to Hindley, was not enough.

He today launched a strategic review and told shareholders the board "was not satisfied with progress". Ever optimistic, he added: "We believe that despite the slow progress in certain areas and the general economic environment, we will succeed."