Summary (Innovative Face Mask) Draft 1

 “ ‘Helloface’ is an innovative transparent alternative to Type IIR EN14683 medical face masks made up of a 3-ply construction that prevents large particles from reaching patients." (University of Hertfordshire, 2022) The usage of masks greatly increased during the Covid19 Pandemic and the creator of Helloface Dean Ezekiel found that face masks were creating an obstacle for talking between people, thus he launched a new company to face that problem by producing clear facemasks.

The plan to start the company was inspired by his wife who is partially deaf and needed lip reading to help her understand when she could not hear the person. Dean understood that being able to communicate via lip reading and face expression is important as there are 11 million people in the UK registered as deaf or blind and it would help out in ​​the medical sector and industries where facial recognition is crucial.

Dean trading business were shut down during the first pandemic lockdown but he was able to quickly make use of his entrepreneur skills to progress to his new plan. Dean was able to start up with the help of University Enterprise Zone (UEZ), the University of Hertfordshire, with funding from Research England. Being part of the University Business Incubator, they were able to help create new funding opportunities, build knowledge, and create new connections which have the company break into the new market. 

Dean was able to move swiftly and seize the new market prospects to build the transparent mask for the market with net 0 credentials with the help of business advice and mentoring, which provided much-needed assistance. The pandemic, which brought up numerous difficulties and uncertainty for the company, was able to help Helloface with support from the university. Dean and his team were able to advance with greater assurance throughout their path from concept to bringing a new product to market because of the assistance offered at every stage.

Future prospects for collaboration exist as the university continues to counsel the company on additional growth opportunities as the business and the product continue to gain recognition. As of right now, Helloface is prepared to exhibit its creative and inclusive CE.