Entrepreneur Steve Purdham launches new venture 3rings

SERIAL technology entrepreneur Steve Purdham, founder of internet firm surfControl and then MD of music streaming website we7, has launched a new venture.

Mr Purdham, from Congleton, Cheshire, his wife Julie, and business partner Gareth Reakes, have launched 3rings Care – an online service that aims to bring families closer together.

The inspiration for the new business came from his wish to know that his elderly mother is safe at night. Before mobile phones became an everyday item, ringing a family member three times was often used as a code to communicate that all is well.

Elderly users receive or make a call to the 3rings automated service using their landline. This then automatically contacts a network of family or friends using an app, SMS, email or calls, to let them know they are OK each day and more importantly, alert them if no contact is made.

Mr Purdham said: “We wanted to create a simple solution which answered the question, ‘are my ageing parents okay today?’.

“3rings removes the need for installing any technical equipment into the home of the elderly relative, relying instead on the familiar telephone which makes it easy to use. 3rings then bridges to the internet to communicate to family members using apps, email or text – methods that are now commonplace across a family’s demographic.”

The UK target is 100,000 families using the service, before the company looks to expand into other regions.

Mr Purham added: “3rings isn’t meant to be a replacement for personal calls and visits but helps ease the worry and spread responsibility between family members. Trials have shown families actually call each other more now, as the daily reminders mean family is always front of mind. We strongly believe that simple ideas can be transformational and this offering can be a catalyst for the changing family care of ageing parents in the UK.”

The service is available online with free apps for IOS and android. The business earns revenues by charging a no-contract monthly subscription, with prices starting at £5.99 per month.

After founding surfControl, which was floated and sold to a US group, Mr Purdham worked with rock star founder Peter Gabriel on commercialising we7.com, which was sold to Tesco last year.