Boots snap up Physicool, as seen on BBC Dragons' Den

BACKGROUND INFORMATION FOR EDITORS CLICK HERE

BCI091
Issue Date: 27th August 2009

CLICK HERE for image
To download image to computer:
PC 'right-click', choose 'Save Pictures As'; MAC 'click and hold', choose 'Download Image to Disk'.

The Physicool™ therapeutic bandages that won funding on last night's episode of BBC Dragons' Den have already been snapped up by the Boots Centre for Innovation, which seeks out innovative products for the pharmacy-led healthcare and beauty group Alliance Boots. The range of first aid products is available now on www.boots.com, the online store for Boots.

The Boots Centre for Innovation team spotted the unique bandages at an exhibition earlier this summer and identified them as a strong potential addition to the Boots first aid range. They presented the products to the category team at Boots and, after convincing their colleagues of their market potential, have worked closely with small UK company Physicool to bring the bandages to Boots customers.

Physicool is a unique stretchy reusable bandage which works by drawing heat out through rapid evaporation, in contrast to most other products which work by drawing cold in. The cooling and compression provide instant treatment for inflammation and bruising of muscles, tendons and ligaments, quickly reducing swelling and pain and helping to speed up the healing process. The cooling effect lasts even after the bandage has been removed.

Boots.com will stock a bandage, a coolant spray and a combination package of the two items. Prior to stocking by boots.com, these were only available in the UK from a small number of independent sports shops, sports physiotherapists and GPs.

"Our aim is to identify exciting new products - whether shelf-ready or concepts that need further development - and bring them to Alliance Boots customers," explains Ron Petersen, managing director of the Boots Centre for Innovation. "By facilitating the route to market, we can help entrepreneurs and small businesses bring their products to the public much more rapidly, benefitting both the inventors and our customers."

The Boots Centre for Innovation was set up to work closely with early stage companies and inventors to develop pioneering health and beauty products for Boots stores. It offers expertise in all areas of business, including product development, marketing and retailing. Since opening in 2007 it has reviewed hundreds of ideas and is working with innovators to develop new products in areas from diagnostics to beauty treatments.

Ends

For further information contact
Editorial Contact Freshwater Technology