From radiographer to rural innovator, Isabelle Richardson’s journey into the world of product invention wasn’t part of a grand plan. It began, like so many good ideas, with a common, everyday problem. Living on a smallholding with her husband Jason, a blacksmith and farrier, Isabelle found herself constantly filling troughs and buckets for their animals. But distractions – be it a runaway goat or a curious child – often meant the hosepipe was left running, resulting in wasted water and sodden yards. That frustration, repeated time and again, eventually sparked the creation of SealStop, a simple but clever solution to a widespread issue.
“I’d walk away and forget about the hose, then return to find the yard underwater,” Isabelle says, reflecting with humour and honesty. “Jason saw the same problem every day at work too. Eventually, we thought, surely there’s a better way. What a naïve thought!”
But that naivety soon gave way to dogged determination. With no previous product development experience, the couple set about transforming their idea into reality. Working with a CAD designer, and leaning on Jason’s wide network of skilled contacts, they began shaping their vision. After five years, three prototypes, and what Isabelle jokingly describes as “expert-level invention trials by fire”, SealStop was ready to launch.
The result? A robust, UK-manufactured hose connector that automatically stops water flow when disconnected – saving time, water, and garden tantrums across the country.
For Isabelle and Jason, both dyslexic and naturally hands-on, the process of inventing wasn’t just practical, it was instinctive. “We just see the world in a problem-solving way,” Isabelle explains. “Life on a farm means you have to adapt and fix things all the time. Jason makes things in metal that’ll probably outlive us all. I tend to fix things with bale twine first!”
From the outset, British manufacturing was non-negotiable. “I care deeply about where and how things are made,” she says. “We work with a manufacturer just 45 minutes down the road, which means I can ensure quality, keep production ethical, and even offer a recycling scheme. It just makes sense.”
The response from both consumers and retailers has been overwhelmingly positive. “People are always amazed it didn’t exist already,” she says. “They love the time-saving aspect, it gives them precious minutes back to spend in the garden, not watching a bucket fill up.” While initially launched into the equestrian sector (with SealStop now stocked in two of the UK’s largest equestrian retailers), the product is quickly gaining ground in the garden retail space too. Isabelle credits this growth to the warm welcome she’s received: “I’ve been blown away by the support and the conversations I’ve had with garden buyers. We’ve just signed a very exciting deal that I can’t wait to share.”
Isabelle firmly believes that everyday inventors play a vital role in modern home and garden life. “We live and breathe our products. Small businesses like ours really know our customers, because we are one. We’re not here to line pockets; we’re here to build communities and offer practical solutions.”
Her plans don’t stop at hose connectors either. With an eye on the growing need for water conservation, Isabelle is already working on expanding into rainwater harvesting solutions. “Fresh water is becoming more precious. I want to develop tools that make it easy for people to collect and use rainwater efficiently.”
When asked what she’s most proud of, Isabelle’s answer is simple: perseverance. “It’s been a steep learning curve – CAD, logistics, legislation, all of it. But I’ve met the most incredible people along the way. Forget imposter syndrome; this is about being genuine and finding your place. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved and how on earth I got here!”
Her advice for fellow would-be inventors? “Just crack on and do it. The help is out there if you ask, and the experience is worth every moment.”
SealStop may have started life as a humble fix for soggy yards and overflowing troughs, but in Isabelle Richardson, the garden retail world has found a passionate, principled, and quietly trailblazing new voice.
To find out more about SealStop, including how you can stock it please visit www.sealstop.co.uk or visit the team at the forthcoming Glee exhibition (16th – 18th September, NEC Birmingham) on stand 9K47.
