Kate Hills is on a one-woman mission to save UK manufacturing.
The journey of Trunki, my animal-shaped ride-on suitcase, is a story of innovation and resilience. Since its inception in 2006, over 4 million Trunkis have been sold, marking it as a design classic. What many might not know is that since 2012, the majority of these suitcases have been proudly made in the UK.
As the founder of Trunki and someone born with cystic fibrosis, the same disease that tragically took my twin sister at 15, I've been driven by a determination to make the most out of life. This drive has undoubtedly contributed significantly to Trunki's success.
In this podcast episode, you'll discover:
- My background in design education.
- The creative process behind the Trunki design.
- Overcoming the initial challenges and setbacks.
- The decision to shift Trunki manufacturing from China to the UK.
- The famous Dragon's Den appearance that brought unique challenges and opportunities.
- The crucial role of design and understanding our customers.
- The importance of iterating ideas for success.
- How mentorship was pivotal in developing my business and leadership skills.
- The experiences and challenges of running my own factory.
Listen on apple Podcasts
For more insights, delve into my book "65 Roses and a Trunki: Defying the Odds in Life and Business." It's a story that I'm sure will inspire, especially for those interested in UK manufacturing and entrepreneurial journeys