Martin Dix had the bright idea for his energy-monitoring device Current Cost after wondering how much usage a 100-Watt light bulb represented in cash. Launched in 2006, his company is now worth £6 million
Martin Dix had the bright idea for his energy-monitoring device Current Cost after wondering how much usage a 100-Watt light bulb represented in cash. Launched in 2006, his company is now worth £6 million.
How did you develop the product?
I built a prototype in my shed. My savings went on a trip to China to research the production costs, which I had to make as cheap as possible for my suppliers. When Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) became interested, they gave us £250,000 in funding.
Describe your breakthrough moment.
I just knocked on a lot of doors and was lucky to find a partner with SSE. Before they even finished the trial, they rolled out a substantial follow-up order. We’ve now sold more than half a million units.
How have you marketed it?
Mainly by approaching utility companies who use it as a way of improving customer retention. Retail is not appealing at the moment, as we would only be hitting people already interested in green issues – so it wouldn’t be as effective at improving energy efficiency.
Who else uses it?
We’ve had orders from large companies like Honda who have a corporate social responsibility agenda. Schools are also interested and we’ve sold them to libraries that offer them out on loan like a book.
Where next?
We are looking at expanding into the US market, and we’re already set to expand into Europe. But I have to say, the UK seems to be way ahead of other countries in terms of interest in energy efficiency.
