A businessman who co-founded a £1 billion sex toy company is tee-ed up for more success with a new golf venture.

Richard Longhurst, 53, helped to create the world’s biggest sexual wellness firm by starting Lovehoney with £4,500 savings after leaving his job as a magazine editor at Future Publishing in 2002.

Longhurst quit Lovehoney in 2019 with co-founder Neal Slateford after they sold their majority stake to Swiss venture capitalists.

Now he has invented Pocket Timer, an easy-to-use golf gadget that could save players’ scores and is already a hit on courses across the UK.

He talked about his business journey from sex toys to golf gadgets on Brightpearl’s Lightning 50 podcast.

Shaped like a coin and roughly the size of a poker chip, the lightweight, bright red Pocket Timer is designed to help players find lost balls using the full three minutes they are entitled to under the current Rules of Golf.

Golfers simply click the timer in their pocket and it buzzes every 30 seconds, ending with a double buzz when the three minutes have elapsed.

Longhurst, who is golf mad and plays off a handicap of two at Bath Golf Club, said: “I first had the idea when the rules changed in 2019 and you went from having five minutes to find a lost ball to three, incurring a one shot penalty if you cannot locate it.

“Not everybody likes wearing a watch when they play golf, so the only other way you’d be able to keep time is by using your phone. But most golfers keep that in their golf bag and it’s unlikely anybody is going to pull it out before they go traipsing off into the rough to look for their ball.

“I figured having a little thing in your pocket that keeps time and vibrates – of course – when your three minutes is up would be a simple, efficient solution.

“Most golfers were giving up too soon because they were worried about holding up play and needlessly conceding a shot.”

Longhurst shared his vision with the owners of Joy Factory, a Chinese company he had used in his Lovehoney days. Using the mould for a sex toy remote control, Pocket Timer was born.

He believes it fills an important gap in the market and, having helped improve people’s performance and pleasure in the bedroom, he is hoping to do the same on the golf course.

Using his ecommerce experience, he set up a new website selling Pocket Timer and he is now sending out the gadgets all over the world because the rules of golf are the same wherever it is played.

Longhurst, who lives in Bath, still attends Lovehoney board meetings and has a 10% stake in the firm which merged with German sex toy giant WOW Tech in 2021.

Lovehoney Group is forecast to deliver more than £300 million in revenue per year and it has blossomed into a global business worth £1 billion.

The sexual wellness category is growing so rapidly that sales are expected to exceed £40 billion globally by 2028.

Lovehoney won two Queen’s Awards for Enterprise during Longhurst’s time and he met the late monarch at a reception for winners at Buckingham Palace.

Longhurst told the L50 podcast that the key to Lovehoney’s success were fun ideas such as the Rabbit Amnesty which allowed customers to recycle their old sex toys and amazing customer service – something he wants to repeat with Pocket Timer.

While Longhurst keeps a close eye on his old industry, his focus these days is on golf.

He said: “You never know – there might be more money to be made from Pocket Timer than from selling sex toys.”

* Richard Longhurst talks about his business journey from sex toys to golf gadgets on Brightpearl’s Lightning 50  Podcast

Every savvy business owner understands the importance of minimizing expenses while maximizing efficiency, and one often overlooked area where this can be applied is in energy usage. The key? Energy comparison for business. But where can you find such a comparison, and how can you use it effectively? Let’s find out!

Introduction to Energy Comparison

Are you aware that you could be paying more than necessary for your business’s energy consumption? That’s right! Energy providers offer varying rates and terms, which means you might be able to find a better deal elsewhere. energy comparison for business is the practice of comparing different energy suppliers and their offerings to find the best fit for your company’s needs and budget.

Why is Energy Comparison Important for Businesses?

In today’s competitive market, every penny counts. Businesses that fail to perform regular energy comparisons may end up wasting valuable resources on expensive energy deals. This can have a significant impact on the bottom line.

Factors to Consider for Energy Comparison

When comparing energy deals for your business, it’s essential to take a few factors into consideration.

Energy Consumption

Understanding your business’s energy consumption patterns is the first step in the energy comparison process.

Peak and Off-Peak Hours

Some businesses may have higher energy usage during certain times of the day. Identifying these peak and off-peak hours can help you choose an energy plan that best suits your business.

Seasonal Variations

Seasonal variations can significantly impact your energy consumption. For instance, businesses in colder climates may require more energy during winter months.

Type of Energy Source

Another crucial factor to consider when comparing energy deals is the type of energy source.

Traditional Energy Sources

Traditional energy sources such as gas and electricity are commonly used by businesses. However, these energy sources can fluctuate in price due to market conditions.

Renewable Energy Sources

As businesses strive to become more environmentally friendly, renewable energy sources like solar and wind are becoming increasingly popular.

Where to Find Energy Comparison for Businesses

There are several places where businesses can compare energy deals.

Comparison Websites

There are numerous comparison websites that allow businesses to compare energy prices from different suppliers easily. These sites provide a comprehensive overview of the available energy deals, making it easier to find one that suits your business.

Energy Brokers

Energy brokers offer a more personalized service. They can help your business negotiate better energy deals by leveraging their industry knowledge and connections.

Direct Energy Suppliers

Direct energy suppliers also offer business energy comparison services. By contacting these suppliers directly, you can inquire about their current energy deals and negotiate a contract that fits your business.

How to Choose the Best Energy Deal for Your Business

Understanding Energy Tariffs

Fixed Tariffs

A fixed tariff means that the price you pay for each unit of energy remains constant throughout your contract term. This can be an excellent option for businesses that want to avoid unexpected energy cost fluctuations.

Variable Tariffs

With variable tariffs, the unit price can change depending on market conditions. This could result in savings when energy prices drop but could also lead to higher costs when prices rise.

Contracts and Terms

Different energy suppliers offer different contract terms. It’s essential to thoroughly read and understand these terms before signing an agreement.

Conclusion: Energy Comparison is Crucial for Your Business

In conclusion, energy comparison for businesses is not just an option; it’s a necessity. With the potential to save on energy costs and boost your business’s sustainability efforts, there’s every reason to start comparing energy deals today.

Introduction

In the grand tapestry of the business world, each thread represents a unique entity, a company striving to weave its own story of success. Amidst this vast and vibrant landscape, one might wonder, what makes a business stand out? What makes it memorable, influential, and ultimately successful? The answer lies in a single, powerful word: branding. But why is a brand so important for any business? Why does it hold such a pivotal role in the narrative of success?

Branding is not merely about having a catchy logo or a memorable slogan. It’s a comprehensive, sensory experience that a customer associates with your company and its offerings. It’s the unique identity that sets you apart from the sea of competitors, the distinguishing factor that makes you recognizable amidst the crowd. It’s the embodiment of your business’s personality, values, and mission, and it’s the promise you make to your customers about what they can expect from you.

The True Nature of Branding: Beyond the Surface

Branding is more than just a catchy logo or a memorable slogan. It’s the total sensory experience a customer has with your company and its products or services. It’s what sets you apart from your competitors and makes you recognizable in the crowded marketplace.

The Role of a Branding Agency: A branding agency, like a branding agency in Birmingham, plays a crucial role in shaping your brand. They work to understand your business’s core values, target audience, and market position. With this information, they create a unique and compelling brand identity that resonates with your audience and stands out in the market.

Branding as a Business’s DNA: Think of branding as the DNA of your business—it’s what makes you unique. It’s the combination of your business’s personality, values, and mission. It’s what you promise to your customers and what they can expect from you. It’s the reason why customers choose you over your competitors.

Branding: The Secret Ingredient to Business Success

Branding has a profound impact on a business’s success. It influences how customers perceive your business, how they interact with it, and ultimately, whether they choose to do business with you.

Branding Builds Recognition: One of the most significant benefits of branding is recognition. A strong brand stands out in a crowded market, making it easier for customers to remember and recognize your business. This recognition can lead to increased customer loyalty and repeat business.

Branding Builds Trust: A well-established brand also builds trust with customers. When customers recognize your brand and know what to expect from your business, they’re more likely to trust you with their business. This trust can lead to increased customer loyalty and repeat business.

Branding Attracts Your Target Audience: A strong brand doesn’t just attract any customers—it attracts the right customers. By clearly communicating your business’s values and personality through your brand, you can attract customers who align with those values and are more likely to be interested in your products or services.

Branding Agency Birmingham: Your Ally in Crafting a Powerful Brand

In the bustling city of Birmingham, businesses face stiff competition. To stand out, businesses need a strong brand—and that’s where a branding agency in Birmingham comes in. These agencies have the expertise and creativity to help businesses build a unique and compelling brand that resonates with their target audience and stands out in the market.

The Strategic Role of Branding Agency Birmingham in Brand Growth

A branding agency in Birmingham works closely with businesses to understand their core values, target audience, and market position. With this information, they create a unique and compelling brand identity that resonates with the audience and stands out in the market.

The Benefits of Working with a Branding Agency Birmingham

Working with a branding agency in Birmingham offers several benefits. These agencies have a deep understanding of the local market, making them uniquely positioned to create a brand that resonates with local customers. They also bring a fresh perspective and creative ideas to the table, helping businesses to stand out in a crowded market.

Conclusion

In the vast expanse of the business world, a brand serves as a beacon, guiding customers towards a business. It’s the unique signature that distinguishes a business from its competitors, the defining factor that makes a business recognizable and memorable. A brand is not just a logo or a slogan—it’s the total sensory experience a customer has with a company. It’s the embodiment of a business’s personality, values, and mission, and it’s the promise a business makes to its customers about what they can expect from it.

A strong brand can lead to increased recognition, trust, and customer loyalty, all of which are critical drivers of business success. It doesn’t just attract any customers—it attracts the right customers. By clearly communicating a business’s values and personality through its brand, a business can attract customers who align with those values and are more likely to be interested in its products or services.