At 21 years of age, inventor Vernon Kerswell has become one of the youngest contestants on the BBC series Dragon's Den with a new toy that is set to take the Christmas market by storm. Prior to finishing his degree at Manchester Business School, Vernon has taken on the full time job of Managing Director of his own business, Extreme Fliers Toys, rapidly becoming the market leader in innovative and unique Remote Control Toys. The company already boasts a growing range of quality flying toys which are now available in the UK and Europe for the first time. Vernon took his business to the Dragon's Den on the final episode that aired on Wednesday 2nd September 2009.

Vernon asked for £75,000 in exchange for 15% of his business and began demonstrating his newest product: a transforming remote controlled car and helicopter in one. The Dragon's seemed to enjoy the novelty of the Apache and Terror Wasp but questioned whether Vernon would be successful in obtaining a patent. “The pitch was exciting, walking up the stair sent a rush of adrenalin. It lasted around 45 minutes, the Dragons enjoyed the products and were very encouraging. Theo gave me some good advice too”.

Although Vernon walked away with no cash investment this time in the Den, following the show his patents have been confirmed and Theo Paphitis has offered ideas and contacts to assist in moving his business forward. Vernon’s initiative and approach to business at such a young age has already won him several prestigious business awards as well as TV and radio appearances. Since filming at Dragon's Den, Extreme Fliers has undergone rapid growth with confirmed orders worth over £100,000. One of their products, the Terror Wasp, was featured on BBC's 'Something for the Weekend' where presenter Tim Lovejoy took to the controls and flew the wasp with great stability across the TV studio live on air.

Extreme Fliers is now gearing up for a major success in the Christmas market with the Terror Wasp and Desert Apache Gunship in the top slots for Christmas must-have toys. “I have ramped up production for Christmas and I am expecting an increased demand when it shows on TV.” They have agreed to supply over 100 UK outlets and will be exhibiting their products at Autumn Fair, NEC Birmingham, during the 6-9th September. “I want our products available in every UK town”.

Vernon says “Starting a business at a young age gives you a big advantage, I proved it is possible without Dragons backing and I want to inspire others to do the same."

Full size images available to download:

http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=16aac80e9d48f7e9e5c3dee5769931ec743b74e4965d41b2b8eada0a1ae8665a

 (www.extremefliers.co.uk)

Notes:

Vernon is available for interviews and will be in London on Thursday 3rd September,

Vernon (07890306360) This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it