Top marks as manufacturer bags license for Meaden-backed brands

A Loughborough-based manufacturer has secured the European license to manufacture and distribute two products backed by Deborah Meaden from Dragons’ Den.

Charles Bentley & Son will produce Gripit, a plasterboard fixing brand, and the professional marking tool Marxman.

Gripit appeared on Dragon’s Den in 2014 and is currently available in 5,000 stores in the UK and 32 countries across the globe, while Marxman is an established product across Europe.

The brands are owned by UK Building Products.

Charles Bentley, managing director at the brushware and homeware manufacturer, said: “These products are an exciting but natural addition for us. It is one of a number of Dragon’s Den-backed innovations that we produce and distribute, working with inventors, bringing new products to a worldwide market.

“Gripit is a fantastic brand, and we are confident that with our substantial heritage and experience in global manufacturing, shipping and distribution coupled with our own established brand, we are confident we can build further on its success.”

Charles Bentley & Son recently won the Manufacturing Excellence award at the Midlands Family Business Awards and was also a Highly Commended Family Business of the Year.