It was a simple idea but it looks set to make Peter Moule one of the most
successful contestants to have appeared on the BBC Two reality programme Dragons’
Den.
Mr Moule persuaded two of the show’s wealthy entrepreneurs to invest in his
Chocbox, a £1 plastic junction box that makes it safer to join electrical
cables together.
Since the deal, which was shown on last night’s programme, was agreed, Mr
Moule has won a distribution contract from one of Europe’s largest
electrical wholesalers, GET. On conservative estimates the product is
expected to sell 25 million units over the next five years, making Mr Moule
a multi-millionaire and adding significantly to the fortunes of the two
“dragons”, Duncan Bannatyne and James Caan.
Mr Moule, who is 53 and a grandfather, sold 36 per cent of his company in
return for £150,000 of investment. But yesterday he conceded it was not the
money he was really after.
He said: “My business was already doing well, what I really wanted was their
contacts and business acumen. It was a good investment for them but a good
investment for me too.”
The Chocbox is being produced in Harlow, Essex, rather than imported from the
Far East like most electrical goods. The deal with GET, which was arranged
by Mr Caan, means that the product will be sold in 152 countries.
In the TV programme, entrepreneurs judge the likely success of business ideas.
Mr Caan, who joined the Dragons’ Den panel this series, said: “The
deal that Peter has struck with GET is phenomenal. Duncan and I are
delighted that we saw potential where the other Dragons could not.”
The Chocbox is a simple plastic housing. The only surprising thing about it is
that no one had come up with the idea before Mr Moule.
He was working for the family firm installing electrics for displays and
exhibitions when new EU rules were introduced. Until then most electricians
used a connector strip to put the wires together, then wrapped it all in
tape. The EU decreed the junction must be protected in a rigid case.
He said: “I went round a number of electrical retailers but although I could
buy a connector strip there was nothing to put it in. I was told there was
no such product available so I invented the Chocbox.
“Around 75 per cent of homes in Britain have got a connector wrapped in a
piece of tape which does not meet current regulations, so the market was
huge. Fifteen million connector strips are sold in Britain alone each year.”
He added: “Although I was nervous about appearing on Dragons’ Den, I have
always been confident about my product and its potential and I went in with
a quietly confident air about me. The whole atmosphere puts you under
intense pressure and it is a daunting experience, so I was delighted when
the Dragons decided to invest in me.”
i have used this - http://www.allaboutelectrics.co.uk/doc/12/vid/73/LIGHTING_CONNECTOR_BLOCK.html - product for at least 3 years on every lighting transformer and downlight that i have installed. i cant see how the new product differs?
Jonathan, Manchester,
See the Block Box by Contactum - does the same thing only cleverer
Adrian King, Poole, Dorset
Its actually the little plastic box that the 'choc block' is sitting in. Hence the name 'Choc box' I guess
Dave, Camberley,
I've never actually watched Dragon's Den.
Before reading the article, I looked closely at the picture and thought 'that's a really simple & useful thing. Why haven't I seen one before? What's it called? Where can I buy it?'.
After reading the article, I can only wish Mr Moule future success.
Dave Hodgson, Cambridge, Cambs, UK
A French junction box or boite de derivation, consists of a round plastic box with snap on lid into which cables are introduced through watertight rubber seals and are then joined with the standard connector block. There are various sizes for differing loads and connector block sizes. These have been in use for years. There is nothing new under the sun!
Roy, Chinnor, UK
Electricians have used Junction Boxes for 50 years, I always used to solder the stripped ends . My house seems OK.
DAVID VINTER, Louth , Lincs., UK.
£0.47 for the connector box at http://www.allaboutelectrics.co.uk/doc/12/vid/73/LIGHTING_CONNECTOR
Mark, Mitcham, Surrey
This is NOT new.
I bought 20 of a VERY VERY similar product about 18 months ago. I still have them. They were of the same opaque plastic and were specifically designed to house a 3-way chocolate-bar style of connector. It even came with the connectors.
The ONLY difference is that the one on the show has a secondry cover to hide the metal screw terminations.
Maybe that's what makes it new but personally I can see a BIG patent fight brewing and to be honest I at a low to see the major design leap on the new.
Mr Sparks, Crawley,
I agree with Samantha - bring back Richard Farley, he was far more of a gentleman than the others. I guess he was the wrong colour and just not "TV" enough for the Beeb. Great shame that he's gone.
Ross Liversidge, Ripon, UK
I have used one of these things, and although it works, it would be better if developed a bit more. Someone else will do that if the original people don't!
Colin , Shrewsbury,
yes, lets get rid of duncan bannatyne,as he is always derogatory to people and never stumps up his cash!
re the story, we bought this round thing from b&q that kind of did the same thing`?
but what a great business man...good on him and i hope he makes loads!!!!!
katrina, London,
Has been available for 20 years but people are too lazy to get one Expecting DIY people to do the job correctly must be taken into account in today's public liability I have lost count of the number of times I have found extension leads cross wired or an earthed appliance wired to a single pair cable to the extent I checked every one I worked on. The only safe way is to use cable the correct length and rating in the first place
James Hendry, Adelaide , Australia
The difference is he's a multi-millionaire and you I guess are not.
Why do people always try to do succesful people down? The UK is a country that rewards mediocrity, who cares if it's been seen somewhere else - he's the man with the money.
As they pointed out on the show last night, why did he give away 36% of his profitable business - it's as he explained it and nows he's delivered
Get a life!!
Mark, Newport Pagnell, England
Is this new or not
see this link
http://www.allaboutelectrics.co.uk/doc/12/vid/73/LIGHTING_CONNECTOR_BLOCK.html
R Butler, Altrincham,
The difference between this product and an ordinary electrical junction box is that this is specifically designed to contain a connector block.
Those who think they have seen similar products have probably seen this one. Mr Moule has been selling them for a number of years through DIY stores but wanted the Dragons' help to reach a wider market and sell overseas.
I hope this helps, Simon de B
Simon de Bruxelles, Bath, UK
So how is this different from the product I bought from CPC a month or so ago - see http://cpc.farnell.com/ and search for item numbers CN10879 or CN10880 ?
David, READING,
What is new about this; in-line connectors have been available for a long time; see http://cpc.farnell.com/jsp/search/browse.jsp?N=411+1003202+500001
Richard Moxon, Huntingdon,
I read it elswhere as country of origion China ?
read the tech info http://uk.farnell.com/jsp/search/browse.jsp?N=35857
A Kumar, Surrey, UK
I bought a plastic housing exactly the same as this when wiring my outside sensor lights last year. It may have been marketed as a waterproof casing but it housed "chocolate blocks" (as they were once called) in special slots. The casing then snapped together. I presume that Mr Moule and his Dragon Den backers have checked the Patent office and existing products?
Rob, London
Robert McAnally, Wimbledon, UK
Loads of Dosh doesn't necessarily induce good manners. But well done James Caan. A natural self-confidence can align courtesy with toughness.
David Chandler, Bromley,
http://www.screwfix.com/prods/46538/Electrical/Cable-Accessories/Cable-Connectors/Chocbox
John Waud, Chester, UK
I'm sure I bought something like this in Japan during the early nineties.
Jonathan, Hertford,
Mr Moule's idea was a no brainer as an investment and the three dragons who rejected it should be thrown off the panel and replaced by dragons with some balls.
John, LONDON,
Like Chris from Truro, I thought this was already available and had been for years. With hindsight however, all 'junction boxes' that I've seen in retail outlets are designed for heavy current applications and for fixing to walls. This invention, as can be seen from the photo, is a lightweight device that does not need to be fixed anywhere, is small and tidy and is indeed a new development in convenience for the ordinary householder.
I wish I'd thought of it !
Frank, Farnborough, Hants
My congratulations to Mr Moule on his great success, but does'nt this product already exist ? I guess I am missing somthing here, but how does this product differ from a junction box that has been available from most hardware and electrical stores for over 50 years?
Chris, Truro, Cornwall
I think peter looks like a true Dragon and should probably get his own show. I can see those TV agents reaching for their blackberries as I type.
Good luck Peter and your Dragons
Michael, Greenwich,
I have just seen the show, it was really great to see James Cann spotting the great business idea, Mr Moule had. I hope the Chocbox does well!
On another note, I am really glad that James Cann is on the panel, he has proved to be a clever gentleman and very kind and caring towards the people asking for investment. All we need is Richard Farley back and another dragon gone!
Great Show!
samantha jameson, London,