I started Flux Rose 10 years ago, based on a product idea I had (a smart ceiling rose, packed with room sensors and wi-fi repeater functions). I was a contract engineer at the time as well, so I used it for my Ltd Co bum on seat 40 hr/week job at various large companies.
Truth be told, I did not enjoy contracting in big companies; I never felt like I was contributing much. I’ve always believed that successful nations are nations that produce goods, and history proves that. I always remember an interview on TV with Tony Woodley, a union leader, during the Rover/BMW split, and he said, “We’re never going to be rich cutting each other’s hair” That resonated with me, and that’s what I wanted to do.
“We’re never going to be rich cutting each other’s hair” – Tony Woodley
My first actual product was a controller for a pickup truck access platform. I designed a PCB, an enclosure, some internal wiring and some switches and indicators on the lid. I was working out of my garage, designing and assembling and testing them. I bought all the parts from other manufacturers. The customer asked me to design some wiring harnesses to go with the controller, so I did, and I had them manufactured.
I was still doing my contract work at the time, but a couple of things happened that changed my direction 1. COVID lockdowns and HMRC IR35 rule changes. That was the turning point for me; I had to be more self-sufficient and steer my own path.
I spent some money on the smallest possible stand at the Northern Manufacturing & Electronics Show, and I met a couple of guys who were looking for some help developing an idea they had for a sensor in one of the utility industries.
I agreed to help with design work, offering my time for free in exchange for a longer-term involvement in building the sensors. It was a gamble, but I don’t mind a bit of risk, and there were times I thought “what have I let myself in for”, but I’m no quitter. I stuck with it and several years later we have built over 70,000 of these sensors and ploughed the profit back into the business.
“What have I let myself in for?!?”
We have bought all the machinery we need to assemble PCB’s wiring harnesses, final assemblies and testing. By offering both design and manufacturing, we are in a very strong position as we offer service to our customers, not just design or build, we help develop our customers’ ideas.
We were recently asked to help with a vehicle project that needed a small ECU. We designed a PCB, put it in a weatherproof enclosure, developed code, and debugged on a vehicle in 3 weeks, from a concept drawing to a small volume build in 3 weeks! I think that’s pretty good service, and it’s the most fulfilling aspect of what we do.
I see vehicles driving around and I say to my wife, “one of my products is on that vehicle”.
“One of my products is on that vehicle”
The other fulfilling part of this business is that there are 20 people working at Flux Rose at the moment, in a part of the UK that doesn’t have a great deal of high-tech industry. 20 people with rewarding, interesting jobs make me feel proud, and I’m confident they are happy doing what they do.
It’s been really hard work, I must say, but it’s been absolutely worth it. We don’t always get it right, but we always fix things when they don’t quite go to plan. I have a rough target for the next 10 years, but 10 years ago, I never would have thought we would’ve achieved this much.
Despite moving premises 4 times in 5 years, they keep saying “nice problems to have,” but problems they are, nonetheless. Still, I’ve never been one to walk away from a challenge, so here’s to the next 10 years.
Thanks to everyone who helped. Success happens by making the right choices, especially with your team.