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Company Update: Little Helper

Company Update: Little Helper

Little Helper is the company behind the FunPod, a multi-award winning safety device that enables toddlers to have a safe and easy access to kitchen worktops.  The product, which allows children to stand at worktop height safely, without fear of falling, was developed back in 2005 by company Sales and Marketing Director, Kim Johnson.  A syndicate of four YABA members invested £100,000 in Little Helper in 2008 and this was the catalyst for the company's immediate expansion and continuing success.

As well as developing and expanding its range of Funpod products to reflect changing tastes in interiors and incorporate new features, Little Helper now has its own high chair range and is the exclusive UK stockist of Baby Boum – a Belgian sleepwear and bedding brand. The company is continually on the lookout for ranges and products to add to the portfolio. "It's time-consuming and costly to develop all our own products from scratch, so when we see a range without representation in the UK that we know would be popular and fits with our company profile, we try and bring it on board," says Kim. The latest addition is Krooom, an Israeli brand of recycled (and recyclable) toys and furniture. "It's made from cardboard but is treated in such a way as to be as strong and robust as plastic but with the added benefit of being eco-friendly – something our customers are passionate about."

Little Helper launched in the US in 2011 and is about to launch in Australia and Germany. "We're growing and continuing to be successful," says Kim. "The investment was the springboard we needed to get a wide distribution for our products, plus Max Davidson's ongoing guidance as NED has continued to be invaluable."

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