Fluvial Innovations Raise Investment and Stop the Flood

18 March 2009

Following on their recent success in finding £125,000 funding for Somerset based FiNETra SWAIN are delighted to announce an investment of £50,000 from a Plymouth based investor into Dorset based Fluvial Innovations.

Simon Phelps, the founder of Fluvial Innovations, has developed a temporary flood barrier which is faster and cheaper to erect then the traditional sand bags.  The individual sections of barrier which can easily by lifted by one person and are locked together using an innovative weighted “key” forming a watertight barrier up to 100’s of metres in length. The barriers can provide a useful secondary function as a traffic barrier as is presently the case in Scotland, or stacked for storage.  Having undergone 3 years research and development supported by both Bournemouth University and the BERR (Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform), the barriers are now set for use across the country.

Simon was delighted to receive the £50,000 investment especially as the investor is also going to mentor Simon and his company.  Speaking about the process of raising finance Simon said “the process was a huge learning curve as I was very green when I first started.  SWAIN were really helpful in getting me in front of good quality investors and by allowing me to practice first to an expert panel consisting of an investor, solicitor and accountant.  I would like to thank SWAIN and my family, in particular my brother who helped with the testing of the barrier due to having access to large quantities of water with his job as a fireman.”

When asked how the money would be used, Simon explained, “at the moment the barriers we supply are ½ metre in height and they have proved highly successful.  For example we recently sold 180 metres of barrier to the Environment Agency.  However a lot of the local councils we have been speaking to would like 1 metre high units.  Therefore we will be using the money to develop the 1 metre units and to increase production to meet demand.

Bruce Colley, Investment Director for SWAIN added “I am particularly delighted that Simon has managed to find funding. Simon’s tenacity in taking an idea from a project within Bournemouth University to a well developed commercial offering has taken a great deal of hard work and perseverance. I have no doubt that Simon’s enthusiasm and innovation along with the investor’s knowledge about securing large contracts, particularly from public bodies will lead to a successful business”.