London mum wins inventor award

A London  mum has been awarded a Special Recognition Achievement award at the International British Female Inventor of the Year Awards 2009.

Solvej Biddle, from Fulham invented the Cot Canopy, a portable canopy to fit over all standard cots and travel cots providing darkness to help babies and toddlers sleep.

After the birth of her second child, Solvej gave up a successful career in law to develop her idea, and within two years the product hit the shelves of Mothercare.

Solvej said: “I am delighted with this award, after all the long hours and hard graft– it’s the icing on the cake, and the BFIIN does such a great job in supporting women and recognising and showcasing innovation.

“Giving up my career was hard, but I now have a whole new one in manufacturing and developing new products in the range.  Plus I’m also acting as an advice source for other people who have an idea for a product but don’t know how to go about developing it and bringing it to market.”