If you have or have ever heard of Raynaud’s Syndrome, then you know that it is a condition which causes your hands to be cold and that it can be painful. There is also no cure. The only options that someone with this syndrome has is either surgery or the use of bulky warming devices. That was until now.
When Leslie Rees’ granddaughter was diagnosed with Raynaud’s Syndrome, he decided to have a look into the condition. When he didn’t like what he had found, Leslie created a solution instead. Heatbands are wrist bands that are made specifically for suffers of Raynaud’s Syndrome, although it can be used by anyone who needs an effective way to keep their hands warm. Instead of using an alternative form of heat, the bands make use of the heat within your own body.
What are HeatBands?
HeatBandsâ„¢ are an innovative new type of handwarmer originally designed for Raynaud’s sufferers, they are very thin, ultra light and unobtrusive they are worn around the wrist to leave the hands and fingers free and warm.
How does it work?
HeatBandsâ„¢ work by insulating the blood vessels that lie close to the skins surface at the wrist thus preventing heat loss, and by virtue of the products heat reflective core, heat is directed back to the area which has the effect of promoting a better flow of warm blood into the hands and fingers.
What inspired you to create it?
One of my grandaughters Laura Allen had very cold and painful hands and was diagnosed with Raynaud’s disease, she was told by the Doctor there is no cure, just wear gloves. I had previously designed and produced the Mediwrap range of products for patient thermo regulation for the emergency services and for in hospital use during surgical procedures, so I was very interested to research the condition and the products available. I was surprised to find other then invasive surgery and dangerous drugs, only bulky chemical handwarmers and a range of unsightly cumbersome items most requiring some form of activation or warming procedure. My plan was to design a no drug no chemical no activation product that would bring warmth and relief to users without any risk or side effects, I believe I have achieved that with HeatBandsâ„¢.
What separates you from the competition?
HeatBandsâ„¢ is the only product that offers a true natural remedy because it does not introduce heat it better utilises the body’s own heat.
How have your HeatBands evolved since your business was first started in 2005?
We have improved the product and the fastening and have seen HeatBandsâ„¢ evolve from a medical product into a much wider and more versatile product as it has entered the sports market, the sponsorship and promotional market and the commercial market as HeatBandsâ„¢ are now used by staff of some major food preperation companies and many outdoor workers.
Do you have any goals that you hope to reach over the next few years?
We plan to create a world-wide distribution network, introduce new products based upon the HeatBandsâ„¢ technology. Make people more aware of safer more natural remedies for many ailments, and to make those remedies more readily available.
What are some of the lessons that you have learned from creating, launching, and running your business?
We have learnt many lessons, one is that generally a contract cannot be relied upon especially if you are a small company with little resources, the major companies and organisations will take advantage of your weekness. Keep your overheads as low as possible. Use your gut instincts. If it seems to good to be true it usually is.
What has been the hardest part of balancing time for your business and time for your personal life?
Your private and business life seems to role into one when you are very enthusiastic about what you are doing, our business is very rewarding as we know our products are bringing relief to many people and their comments and testimonials encourage us, we involve our family and our friends conversationaly in what we are doing most of the time.
What advice would you give fellow entrepreneurs hoping to launch their own business now?
You are never too young or too old. There is no wrong or right time if you wait until the time is right you will be too late. Don’t trust Banks. Get all the free help you can from central and local government run organisations.