Shelfworks innovation fills a gap in the market

Sittingbourne: Friday, 23rd July 2010 A Kent Science Park-based company has come up with one of the most innovative pieces of retail design in years, and was honoured with a place in the Innovation Showcase at Kent's largest b2b exhibition as a result. Plantworks have produced a revolutionary end-cap hanging display unit to showcase their Mycorrhizal fungi ROOTGROW products. Designed by engineer John Hebditch at Kent Science Park and manufactured in nearby Margate, the Shelfworks unit fits snugly on the side of any gondola shelving system, a space that has previously been largely ignored in retail display. The design has already turned heads within the retail sector: The Garden Centre Group (TGCG) were so impressed by an early prototype that they immediately placed an order for 1,000 of the units, which can now be seen in TGCG stores nationwide. Brands such as Energizer, Hozelock and Bayer are already displaying their products instore using the Shelfworks system. The Shelfworks Unit is an entirely customisable display solution capable of showcasing products in any configuration alongside supplementary point of sale material. It is easily secured and once the unit is in place it is incredibly stable. The result is retailers have more space within their stores and brands have a new and eye catching platform on which to display their product. Early recognition of this unique design came in April when the product was featured in this year's Innovation Showcase at Kent 2020 Vision, the county's largest b2b exhibition. Simon Taylor, Plantworks' Sales and Marketing Manager, said: 'The success of the unit has taken us by complete surprise, it once again proves the old adage that the simplest designs are often the best. To reach the final stages of the innovation showcase offers brilliant exposure for the product and the support we've received from the organisers has been fantastic.' Pictured: John Hebditch (left) and Simon Taylor (right) from Plantworks meet The Apprentice's Nick Hewer (centre) at this year's Kent 2020 Vision exhibition.