Swimming pool products manufacturer Hydro-flux has secured a £20,000 match-funded grant from AD:VENTURE, helping the company secure two international distribution deals for its latest innovation.

The Kirklees-based manufacturer recently launched its FlowBright pool lighting system, designed to illuminate without requiring the usual complex installations and expensive additional equipment, or incurring electrical costs.

Recognising that it would need financial support in order to realise the potential of its product, Hydro-flux turned to AD:VENTURE and worked with one of its dedicated business advisers to put together plans, forecasts and targets. After being assessed, the business was given a grant of just under £20,000.

With the new funds in place, the business was able to create fully furnished office space in a warehouse, complete with all the necessary tools to manufacture its products and take them to market.

In November, Hydro-flux took part in the International Pool, Spa and Patio Expo in Las Vegas as well as France’s Piscine Global, Swimming Pool and Wellness Exhibition, in order to showcase the FlowBright.

Engaging with global distributors initiated a surge of interest in the product, with the company signing two distribution agreements and considering further partnership opportunities in Dubai, British Columbia, Romania and Tukey.

Hydro-flux director Michael Burnham, said: “The response to the product has been really positive. We expected interest in the innovation but certainly not to sign two distributor agreements there and then!

“This experience has given us further confidence and reassurance in the potential that our business has moving forward. There really is nothing like the FlowBright on the market and as we have taken the time and effort to patent the technology, we know we have a real niche that we now need to capitalise upon.”

The product contributes zero carbon emissions during its operational lifetime and as a result it is the most environmentally friendly lighting system on the market.

Using the feedback from its FlowBright product, Hydro-flux has started working on other innovations using its patented technology in order to help solve other challenges facing pool installers and maintenance staff.