Gummee

History
Jodine Boothby launched Gummee, with one product, in 2012 after inventing the multi award-winning Gummee Glove, a teething mitten designed to help her son when he was teething. Five years on, the company sells a range of innovative and unique teething products worldwide.

Action
Oxford Innovation business coach Alan Bartlett worked with Jodine through much of the development of her business. Alan commented:

“My focus has primarily been to act as a sounding board, helping to channel the entrepreneurial mindset of the business by challenging their thinking and approach, particularly connected to new products, market and distributor development.”

Coaching sessions have also concentrated on protecting intellectual property, setting team roles, and supporting Gummee’s approach to marketing.

Result
Within five years Gummee has grown from nothing to generating a total turnover of more than £1 million, and looks set to increase turnover by 50% in 2017, thanks in part to the introduction of a new larger mouthing glove product for older children. Gummee sells its range of unique teething products worldwide, both online and through dedicated distribution networks in 17 countries. The company’s social media presence has also played its part, with its UK Facebook page boasting more than 75,000 followers, a further 25,000 in Australia and more than 20,000 in the US.