Will Hodge launched an inhaler tailor two years ago and created a “colorful and stylish” case for those who use inhaler.
It follows Martha Bartle, a family friend of Clifton, 6, who refuses to use her own inhaler.
The 41-year-old York-born person says that many users, especially children, don't like using inhalers, but the colorful covers are attractive.
I recommend reading:
Overall, one in five people need an inhaler, and the NHS prescribes 26 million people a year.
Will, who attended Bootham School, has played his previous roles, including developing new brands for Proctor & Gamble in Switzerland, and co-founding the Squig Squig Stawed Sausage, available for sale at Asda and Morrisons.
The entrepreneur appeared in the TV Dragon's den last February, and despite praise for his invention, no one invested in the business.
Approximately 30 Will inhalers are handmade in York each week using eco-friendly vegan leather provided by Venice, Italy.
Earlier this month Will, eager to raise awareness of his case, was one of 30 small businesses that appeared at Meet the Press Event, hosted by York PR and Communications experts Joe Leatham and Linda Harrison.
Will told the press that he was busy raising awareness of his case by sponsoring and attending the Respiratory Hygiene Conference and talking to nurses and other healthcare professionals.
In November last year, two bulk orders were placed at two NHS Trusts-Barts Health and Colchester Hospital.
Will said: “Barts Health hands out 450 'sets' to children in the ward. The set includes an inhaler case, a spacer case and a carrying strap. ”
“We're going home this year for a more similar transaction. That's our biggest deal.”
In the meantime, Will has been working on exporting cases and is in discussion with an organization based overseas.
He expects trades to hit in the coming months, but he won't say which countries are involved until everything is confirmed.
However, inhaler tailors have won several awards over the past month or so. The Made in Yorkshire Awards include “Manufacturing Startup of the Year” and is one of the 2025 winners of the SME Business Elite Awards.
“It's been a long way, but we're getting there. No one's doing this, so we're still unique.”
The case costs £12.99 and is available at https://www.inhalertailor.com/.
