Gordon with his invention

THINGS are on the move for an award-winning invention designed in Rushden.

Avid patio gardener Gordon Cox designed and built the prototype of the PotMover, a device that reduces the manual effort of moving planters.

He had so many pots of his own and was always moving them around, from summerhouse to patio, so thought he would try to make it easier.

Mr Cox, 80, said: "I have been in engineering all my life and created the design on my computer.

"I then got several different local companies to manufacture the components, so they didn't know what they were making, then assembled it myself at home.

"I thought it was quite good and my son, Michael, said "Dad, why don't you patent it?" so we are now taking it one step at a time."

One step was most significant - his invention is now being massed produced in Holland, by Fort - Europe's largest wheelbarrow manufacturer.

They have now made about 20,000 of the lightweight devices, which are now on sale throughout Europe.

Mr Cox, of Dover Close, Rushden, was a technical designer at the family firm Cox and Wright.

When he left in 1980 he started up CS Technical Services with a partner and, although officially retiring in 2000, still helps with the business.

He said: "I didn't think that at the age of 80 I would be setting up a company with my son to market a new product.

"I wouldn't have got this far if it had not been for him."

Michael, who retired early due to health reasons, used his experience in marketing to find companies interested in his father's invention.

He said: "We were surprised there was no interest from the UK as we wanted it to be made in Britain but we ended up with a Dutch company.

"They took one look at it and in a matter of seconds said they would have it, and as the patent is still pending, shows how confident they are.

"Our investment of £12,000 paled to insignificance when we knew they had invested £200,000 in the plastic moulding alone."

The pot mover appeared on the Fort stand at the recent Glee, International Garden and Leisure Exhibition, at the NEC where it was awarded Product of the Year in the Garden Care category.

Mr Cox said: "I am very proud and excited about and it must be a boost for Fort's business."

At a cost of £37.50, the price of a good wheelbarrow, he believes the PotMover is an invaluable piece of equipment, particular for elderly or disabled people as it can be used with one hand or from a wheelchair.

There is another device waiting in the wings but Mr Cox said: "I made it about a year ago but will keep it on hold until I get this one going first."

To see the PotMover in action visit the website at www.boulder.co.uk