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Product Designer and UWTSD Automotive Design alumnus Richard Heale has turned his design expertise towards an entrepreneurial venture that addresses a common and frustrating problem: the flimsy umbrella. While he might have once imagined a future spent in wind tunnels testing supercars, Richard has now channelled his passion for engineering into a weather-resistant umbrella designed to last.

Based in Camden Town, London, Richard has applied over 20 years of experience in product design across various industries to create a durable solution for an everyday issue. After watching too many umbrellas crumple under the weight of the city’s gusty winds - turning into broken spokes and shredded fabric – he has set out to create something different.

“In 2011, five umbrellas inverted and broke on me over six months during my windy walks to work across a bridge in Canary Wharf, “ Richard said. “After the fifth one gave out, I decided I wasn’t going to waste any more money. Instead, I went home that evening and set myself a challenge: re-engineer this cheap umbrella into something truly durable, designed to handle the wind, last longer, and break the cycle of constantly replacing it.”

The idea for the halo® Umbrella took shape that night, sketched out from a bar in a Camden pub. Years of development and testing later, Richard’s vision is a reality. The umbrella has been rigorously tested in wind tunnels typically used for vehicle aerodynamics and performance sports, and has been tested alongside leading competitors. With a focus on wind resistance and structural efficiency, it resists inversion and holds up in even the harshest conditions.

Blending simplicity with performance, Richard created a smart solution that not only enhances longevity but also aims to reduce environmental waste. With up to 1 billion umbrellas sold each year, many of which end up in landfill, the halo® Umbrella offers a sustainable alternative that reduces the need for constant replacements.

Remarkably, it offers the performance of a high-end premium umbrella -  usually prices five times higher – at an affordable cost of under £15.

“I wanted to create an umbrella that doesn’t add extra costs, exotic materials, or require specialised production,” Richard said. “You get the durability and performance of an expensive umbrella for the price of a low-cost, grab-and-go model.

“It’s compact and lightweight - small enough to disappear into your bag or glove box – and has been  intentionally sized for city life, so you can walk through crowded streets with ease and step through doorways without needing to wrestle it shut in the rain.”

The halo® Umbrella will be launching on Kickstarter this Tuesday, 15th April.

Support Richard’s mission to reduce waste and make a truly wind-resistant umbrella accessible to all. Help break the cycle of disposable umbrellas and be part of something that lasts.

Read more about Richard’s story and the innovative design of the halo® Umbrella, and support the Kickstarter launch:

Further Information

Mared Anthony

Communications and PR Officer: Alumni Relations   
Corporate Communications and PR    
Email: mared.anthony@uwtsd.ac.uk    
Phone: +447482256996