WMG at the University of Warwick have helped Oldbury-based start-up company, CMK, win an award from leading mountain biking magazine Enduro for their novel bike mudguard product.

The company were awarded the prize based on the effectiveness of the mudguard which attaches to the bike’s seatstays rather than the seat post. The innovative Mudhugger concept was borne out of CMK Director Bruce and Jamie Gardiner’s passion for mountain biking. They turned to researchers and business support specialist in WMG’s SME team based at the International Institute for Product and Service Innovation at University of Warwick to help give life to their design idea.

WMG were able to help prototype the design and gave tailored advice and recommendations on the potential manufacturing route and materials that the company could use. WMG also helped them with materials analysis and technology advice on how to bond different plastics.

The WMG team also worked with Bruce and brother Jamie Gardiner to help create and launch a Facebook campaign to create a buzz around the Mudhugger

Bruce Gardiner said:

We are delighted that the Mudhugger product has been so warmly received. The support that the WMG SME Team gave us throughout the product development process helped us look at things in a completely new way enabling us to develop something truly innovative yet feasible to produce and market.”

Scott Crowther, Knowledge Transfer Specialist in WMG’s SME Team said:

It has been great working with Bruce and the team behind Mudhugger. Their commitment and vision has resulted in a fantastic product that has filled a gap in the mountain biking market. This is a really great example of how universities and industry can work together to make a difference to the success of a product.”

For further information please contact:

Peter Dunn, Head of Communications, University of Warwick,
UK Tel: 024 76 523708 Mobile 07767 655860 email: p.j.dunn@warwick.ac.uk

or

Lisa Barwick, WMG, University of Warwick Tel: 024 76 524721 or 07824 540845
email: L.Barwick@warwick.ac.uk

The International Institute for Product and Service Innovation programme is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.