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Entrepreneurs - Nicky Stanley

Nicky Stanley

Pick Up a Patio

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Nicky in the Den http://www.bbc.co.uk/dragonsden/media/emp/playlists/entrepreneurs/nickystanley.xml
The video pitch http://www.bbc.co.uk/dragonsden/media/emp/playlists/pitches/nickystanley_4x3.xml

Name	Nicky Stanley
Pitching	Pick Up a Patio
Investment Required	拢48,500
Equity Offered	30%
Brief Description	A circular 'easy up' patio system

Glossary terms:

What happened to Nicky in the Online Den?

The Hampshire based gardener presents a very nervous but nonetheless clear and concise pitch. Nicky now needs to keep her cool as the Dragons start their digging.

Julie Meyer invites her to tell her back story and the inventor recalls that it started while working for her husband's fencing company. Patios were popular but there were fundamental problems getting equipment in and out especially in terraced houses. She was convinced there had to be a better way.

Shaf Rasul inquires about her market research. Nicky explains that she prefers to go to senior buyers as she believes they know what their customers want. She reveals that she is currently in talks with a major DIY company to trial the product in several of their stores but concedes she needs the investment to manufacture the product and test it before the deal can go ahead.

Money-minded Shaf asks how much the product will cost. Nicky explains the patio will sell for 拢259.99 for a normal, mid-ranged, circular model.

If you and I worked together for six months what would I know about you over that six months that are not obvious today?

Julie digs a little deeper

Julie wants to know what she will spend the investment on. The entrepreneur breaks down her investment costs and elaborates on her future figures. These look good initially but she crucially adds that they hinge on a single deal that she won't be able to deliver on without the Dragons' cash.

Under further scrutiny from Shaf Rasul as to her deal with the DIY company Nicky's pitch starts to crumble. She is forced to admit she hasn't yet got to the negotiation stage as she is unable to confirm she can deliver.

Shaf Rasul doesn't believe the product has a mass market and so for him the opportunity is too small. For that reason he declares himself out.

Julie admits she likes Nicky's style and her determined, gritty personality but she doesn't see it as a business opportunity right now. However she would like to follow the inventor's progress. Julie Meyer is intrigued but not convinced and for that reason, for now, she is out.

Despite her best efforts Nicky has failed to woo the Dragons but she leaves the Den with some good advice and maybe a business partner sometime in the future.

The deal done in the Den:

No investment

Last updated: 31st March 2010

Comments

1. At on 09 Nov 2009, jacqui bowers wrote:
I saw this pitch when I was in birmingham at a trade show,I was so impressed as the whole process was so user friendly that even a teenager could do it, Also my grandchildren always trip over in the garden and falling on this will NOT graze knees as stone does, It is brilliant in its design and possibilities,modern,inexpensive,(no labour costs) and so many variations on the design front,Colours, Styles, lighting, she had so many ideas and I just loved the idea, Hope you get funded,I will be first in line,(my house is terraced so i dont want materials - builders ect going through my living room, Good luck, JACQUI

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2. At on 09 Nov 2009, jacqui bowers wrote:
great idea,my wife wants one because she knows I dont DO DIY!!! and no mess or fuss,seen you at trade stand,what a gem of an idea

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3. At on 09 Nov 2009, james jackson wrote:
I met Nicky at a presentation in Dorset, She has a very interesting product that would sell well in our outlets{garden centres} I look foreward to stocking this item as the idea of a creative colourfull modern and stress free ready to go patio is innovative and original.I have never seen the like before and was impressed at the possibilities this idea has,

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4. At on 09 Nov 2009, lizzy lees wrote:
I saw you at Wimbourne market in August and watched how easily the patio popped together,i was amazed and loved the feel of the rubber,so soft against cement or concrete,real barefoot stuff,I want one in orange or pink day glo,I am a cheerleader and we want one for our practices,easy on the knees, (DORSET DRAGONS TEAM GO GIRLS) good luck nikki and danni, your idea is brill !!!

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5. At on 09 Nov 2009, bee wrote:
My company helped research the rubber for the patio system and I just have to say it was a pleasure working with nicky and I wish her the best of luck,This whole concept is amazing,I wish I had thought of it.The interest shown in the system is testement in itself.Once in the shops there will be no stopping it,Nicky is full of ideas and her energy is amazing,She needs to find the right person and will go all the way,

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6. At on 11 Nov 2009, James Anderson wrote:
This looks like an excellent system, could it be used on a roof garden as it is so light? If so then I would definitely be interested

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7. At on 11 Nov 2009, anthony bowers wrote:
This will be a very easy way to get a patio for your garden if like me you have little or no DIY skills .I hope that it will come in a variety of sizes .

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8. At on 11 Nov 2009, Alan Young wrote:
I could see this being great when friends with very young children visit.

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9. At on 11 Nov 2009, ChrisTV wrote:
This is a great idea, I have a pretty large property and I like the idea of being able to have try a patio in different places different years, the normal patios are relatively expensive and more importantly once there down the location is really fixed so any second thoughts are better done up front before the work starts, with this I can see trying out where the patio should be and then maybe a few years later actually getting a fixed patio in the right place

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10. At on 11 Nov 2009, Eileen Geoghegan wrote:
A fantastic idea. When will you be exporting into Europe?

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11. At on 11 Nov 2009, BuxomBarmaid wrote:
This is a great idea, why has no one thought of it before!
Would be a good addition to a caravan or camper, for that instant patio when you find your perfect pitch in a field. Also it can be taken up in the winter, so no green algae to scrub off in the spring, no weeds growing between the slabs a perfect patio when ever, where ever you need one.
Good luck Nicky.

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12. At on 11 Nov 2009, Fiona Anderson wrote:
I like the idea of an "instant" patio. I think the simplicity of the construction makes this a very attractive product.

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13. At on 12 Nov 2009, hayley douglas wrote:
Not only is this a fantastic idea it looks great.I can't believe it hasn't been thought of before now.Good luck Nicky you really deserve a break,Ian and Hayley

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14. At on 12 Nov 2009, njs wrote:
Just to let you know that the demonstration is showing a scaled half size prototype, not a finished product. We aim to produce several different shapes, sizes and patio cover designs which will be interchangeable. We aspire to bringing new and funky finishes such as glow in the dark, sparkly granite and even integral lighting within the patio cover.

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15. At on 12 Nov 2009, Daniella wrote:
Waw, never imagined that even I could build a patio ! Great idea !

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16. At on 12 Nov 2009, Crab wrote:
Finally this is the right stuff for the DIY.No hurdles, clean construction. A brilliant idea. Thanks Nicky, it will surely help all women that clean up the mess when men are at work. Now we finally can leave the house/garden clean and enjoy the drink together when the patio is finished.Rik

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17. At on 16 Nov 2009, Belinda Robinson wrote:
What a fantastic versatile product how much is it and where can i but it from?

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18. At on 16 Nov 2009, Dors wrote:
I think this is a brilliant idea, so flexible if you want to change your garden

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19. At on 16 Nov 2009, Embe wrote:
Nicky has been a pleasure to work with and has had to grasp so much to make this thing happen. My team developed one of the potential cover materials for Nicky - she really needs support to take it to the end but will easily get there with her dogged determination. Brilliant idea, looking forward to making lots different colours for you.

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20. At on 17 Nov 2009, Diploma wrote:
I was left a little confused by this product.The size of it and the materials used. Also, it would be helpful to know the price you want this to retail at.

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21. At on 17 Nov 2009, njs wrote:
Hello Diploma, The video shows a HALF SIZE protoype, the actual size of the first patio system to be launched will be 2 metre diameter, with other sizes/shapes to follow. We have used as much recycled or sustainable materials as possible and all materials are suitable for exterior use. The polymer compound patio cover will be both Ozone and UV stable. We are not competing for the main patio area, we are offering an easy to assemble, easy to transport, cost effective option for a secondary seating area within the garden, although the system would also be suitable for roof terraces and outside functions.RRP is going to be on a par with a mid range stone patio kit, but our customer will have no further costs associated with a traditional stone patio such as sand, cement, tools or specialist labour costs. Thanks, Nicky

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22. At on 17 Nov 2009, happychappy wrote:
This already exists in China.

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23. At on 17 Nov 2009, happychappy wrote:
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the .
24. At on 17 Nov 2009, njs wrote:
In response to Happychappy's comment, I am not aware of any product worldwide that is exactly the same as our patio system despite extensive research. There are several types of rubber tile size pavers that are either glued down to existing patios or click together to form a bigger area,but no complete patio features that comprise of a ONE PIECE patio cover with a lip that sits on it's own core base unit much like a bottle top. Nicky.

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25. At on 18 Nov 2009, happychappy wrote:
Of course it's not exact. But there are 2 very similar systems to this in China which I have seen during my time out there. I hope this takes off for you.

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26. At on 22 Nov 2009, Mikey76 wrote:
Very clever! The only thing I would worry about is ripping the rubber tile... but I take it these could be sold separately if needed.
Mikey

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27. At on 27 Nov 2009, JS wrote:
Sorry - I don't like it. I can't see it selling. I guess you could next expand the product range with plastic instant trees, flowers, astro turf, plastic walls, etc etc. It might work for exhibitors wanting to create an instant garden at an event or as a stage set. Sorry.

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28. At on 21 Jan 2010, Luke Wale wrote:
It does seem like a great product, however, i entirely believe this has a limited audience. If somebody was planning or designing a serious garden, then they would definately not consider this - it is like inviting the queen round, getting out your best china and using plastic cutlery. Also for wear and tear, will this stand through weather? Throw a party and I'm sure ladies high heals will go down a treat!

But, i must say, very clever and unique product!

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29. At on 07 Feb 2010, Lord Protector of England wrote:
Patio? This is a stepping stone size. Might as well use a plastic pub garden table in the video... cheap, tacky, take the top off and bed?

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30. At on 18 Mar 2010, T wrote:
I was also a little confused by the presentation but having read the other comments I now realise that the patio shown is a smaller prototype.

I like the idea of making DIY easier for people and wish you the best of luck finding a market for this product.

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31. At on 01 Apr 2010, Dan wrote:
I run a gardening and landscape company and although I can see some benefits to this product I am totally against it! Fake stone, astro turf, UPVC decking - why not make our gardens totally inorganic and replace all the plants with artificial ones! Gardening and landscaping is supposed to be a challenge, thats why it's rewarding!

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32. At on 01 Jun 2010, Action wrote:
Cant see the point in having a rubber garden patio. You still have to dig out the base and level that i assume. All that is left is to level it with sand and place down the patio, that is the real patio and real stone, which will be cheaper, (if you go to a building supply store, rather than chain store) and put them down. Sorry but who wants a rubber patio. Not me.

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33. At on 08 Jun 2010, Jason George wrote:
An innovative idea however I have my reservations. The cost of one unit is most certainly going to be higher than that of a traditional stone unit. Also it seems that the product must be laid onto a pre prepared base, however I imagine that anybody capable of removing turf and levelling the ground would probably be capable of preparing a dry mix to lay a traditional unit?
Good idea but I dont see

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Entrepreneurs - Nicky Stanley

Nicky Stanley