MARKETS as diverse as BMX bikes and the medical world are being targeted by a new business in Southampton.

Gus Fergus has set up Expanse Product Design with help from the Prince's Youth Business Trust and has ambitious plans for his future.

Born and bred in Southampton, Mr Fergus completed an HND in product design at Swansea Institute and says he is now well on the road to achieving his ambitions in the world of design.

With Dyson creator Richard Dyson among his role models, Mr Fergus knows that the path to success will be hard work but is confident that his ideas and designs can make a difference to consumers in a wide range of markets.

First off the drawing board has been an innovative design for the BMX market. He has designed new number plates which can be used on the bikes and says that is just the start of a range of accessories he has planned for this market.

"I have always been into the BMX and skate-boarding markets from taking part as a youngster,'' said Mr Fergus.

"It made sense for my first products to be aimed at a market I know well and the customers I have researched.''

With additional help from the Southampton Institute, a prototype has been- produced and Mr Fergus is now visiting suppliers and race meetings to raise awareness of his products.

"I received a test marketing grant from the Prince's Youth Business Trust and now plan to apply for further grants to take the ideas forward.'' In addition to the leisure market Mr Fergus has ideas in the medical sector, fashion and is involved in setting up an electronics assembly company to offer a wide range of support.

"I am concentrating on one thing at a time and ensuring that the designs I pick are commercially viable,'' he said.

"Hopefully the bike number plates are just the start of a successful future for the company.''

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