Yorkshire man takes grandad’s 40-year-old invention on Dragon’s Den

A man from Halifax is appearing on Dragon’s Den tonight with an invention of his grandfathers that dates back over 40 years.

Robert Simpson will face the Dragon’s tonight, Thursday 3rd June, on the hit BBC1 programme – bringing with him his grandfather’s Tipsi Tray invention.

First designed and built by Andrew Townson in the early 1980s, the handled tray is pure practicality at its best.

It’s perfect for moving around cold Yorkshire houses, as it can easily be held with one hand whilst you close your draughty doors with the other.

“My grandad lived in an old and draughty house near Halifax and wanted a tray that he could hold comfortably one-handed while closing doors and windows to keep the cold out,” Robert explains.

“I took that idea and brought the Tipsi Tray to market because of the benefits that it could bring to older people and those with disabilities.

“As it happens, it has also proved to be very popular in the hospitality and catering industry too as a really useful tool for serving and waiting staff.”

Robert’s already had some success with the tray, first bringing it to market in May last year during the middle of the pandemic.

Between direct sales and online purchases, he’s seen some great success with it already – but now he’s looking for that extra bit of help from the Dragons.

He’s keeping the outcome of their meeting close to his chest, but all will be revealed tonight on BBc1 at 8pm.