When Gavin Arblaster, founder of ARB Covers, returned home to his music studio after working away, he faced a challenge that will be a familiar one for many: he couldn't find suitable covers for his valuable audio equipment for when it was sitting unused and unprotected.
Rather than accepting the problem, he decided to solve it.
Today, ARB Covers designs bespoke quilted covers for professional audio equipment, recording studios and high-end hi-fi systems. The business serves customers across the UK and internationally, protecting equipment used by music producers, recording studios and audiophiles. What started as a personal need has grown into a specialist business built on innovation, quality and intellectual property (IP).
We spoke to Gavin about how a simple idea grew into a successful business and why protecting his intellectual property became a key part of that journey.
Creating something original
"It started with my own music studio at home. I used to work away and when I came back everything would be dusty. I searched online but couldn't find anything suitable, so I thought, I'll make my own."
His solution quickly attracted attention from others in the music industry. Producers, engineers and audio enthusiasts started asking whether he could create similar covers for their equipment, turning a personal project into a business opportunity.
As the business grew, customer feedback helped shape new opportunities. Gavin discovered customers wanted protection not only from dust, but also from everyday accidents involving pets, children and valuable equipment that remained on display in homes and studios.
"People would tell me stories about grandchildren touching expensive speakers or things getting damaged at home. It made me realise there was a wider need for protection than I first thought."
Discovering IP rights
As Gavin developed his idea, he realised that protecting it would be just as important as creating it.
After researching IP rights, he contacted the Business & IP Centre at the Library of Birmingham, where he received free guidance on the different types of IP protection available. The advice helped him understand how he could protect his ideas before bringing them to market.
Gavin also benefited from support through the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership Growth Hub.
Through funded IP support, he worked with IP attorneys at Barker Brettell to review and strengthen his IP strategy. The support helped him take a more structured approach to protecting and managing his intellectual property.
"It was nice to know I'd done what I could and taken things to the next level with professional support".
Find the right advice and advisor for your invention or business: Seeking intellectual property advice - GOV.UK
Building a business around IP
Since launching ARB Covers, Gavin has made protecting his ideas part of the business process. The company has registered around 15 designs and secured trade mark protection for its brand. Whenever he develops a new product, Gavin considers how it can be protected before promoting it or releasing it to customers.
This approach has allowed him to grow with confidence while continuing to develop new products for the professional audio market.
The value of protecting what you've created
Although ARB Covers has not faced major IP disputes, Gavin believes having protection in place has strengthened both his business and his confidence.
"IP protection gives confidence and security. If anybody copies my design, I've got protection behind it."
That confidence has helped him build relationships with well-known audio brands, expand into international markets and continue investing in innovation. Today, ARB Covers sells products worldwide and is continuing to develop new designs.
Protect what makes your business unique
Like Gavin, many businesses start with a simple idea or a solution to an everyday problem. If you've created something original, understanding your IP rights could help you protect what you've built and support future growth.
Gavin's advice for other businesses
For businesses developing new products, brands or ideas, Gavin's advice is simple: think about IP early.
"Definitely research it. Get in touch with your local IP centre. The free advice was gold dust at the very start."
He encourages entrepreneurs to make use of the support available through their local Business & IP Centre and learn about the different ways IP can help protect and grow a business.
If you've created something valuable, make sure it's protected. Explore our step-by-step intellectual property guidance.
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