Phoenix Product Development, which trades as Propelair, has completed a GBP2.6 million fundraising round led by the CF Woodford Equity Income Fund.
The money raised from the Woodford Fund and existing shareholders will be used to support Propelair’s continued growth through expansion of both its sales and marketing and installation teams. The investment also provides working capital for Propelair to widen its customer base and build stock and supply capability in advance of a projected significant growth in sales.
Propelair has developed a new type of water-saving toilet system that uses an innovative air-based operating principle and only 1.5 litres of water per flush compared to the UK average of nine litres. It is ideally suited to both new developments and as a retrofit in existing commercial buildings. In addition to significant water savings which provide fast payback for customers, the Propelair toilet is more hygienic than conventional units as it is proven to remove over 99.9 per cent of waterborne contaminants and suppress the creation of airborne contaminants.
Propelair’s powerful and consistent single air flush produces excellent performance; its quick flush and refill action reduce queuing time. The unit incorporates an easy-off side hinge system to aid lid removal and cleaning, making it much more robust than traditional hinges. As Propelair produces less sewage, less treatment is required, reducing carbon emissions and lessening the emptying of holding tanks, which saves money.
The Propelair toilet system achieved certification and was launched in 2013. Early sales to major organisations have delivered massive water savings. These include Anglian Water, Arup, Birmingham NHS Trust, Brighton & Hove City Council, London Borough of Redbridge, London School of Economics, McDonald's, the Peacock Theatre, The Pop-up Hotel, Royal Borough of Greenwich, the Royal College of Physicians, University of East Anglia, Victoria Palace Theatre and Winchester City Council.
Garry Moore, Propelair founder and CEO, says: “We always knew we had an excellent product. Customers are very pleased with trials of Propelair 1.5-litre flush toilets, which have consistently delivered results in their busy public washrooms. Organisations are very concerned about the rising costs of water and energy and aware of their obligations to provide a sustainable and hygienic workplace without compromising standards. Propelair is the solution to these problems, and the Woodford investment will allow us to deliver on those objectives and fulfil our growth plan in earnest."
