TGt Franchise Leaderboard

Let's Talk

Your Total Guide To business

TGt Section Sponsor

Manchester inventor of a new pipe fitting tool gets funding from Dragon Den’s Sara Davies

Tiernan McCorkell the inventor of a new pipe fitting tool is planning business growth after getting funding from Dragon Den’s Sara Davies.

The 35-year-old is still surprised he has appeared on a programme that he’s watched since it began – and secured support.

“I’ve watched the Dragons Den programme from the beginning since it was aired. I never once thought I’d get a shot at it. I actually filled the original paperwork out and screwed it up and binned it thinking I’m wasting my time. How am I going to go through with this?” he said.

“My pitch was for a revolutionary ruler which transforms the way you cut wood, tiles and more surfaces to fit around pipes. I entered Dragons’ Den looking for investment in my pipe fitting tool.”

“I had only officially launched seven weeks before entering and the patent was still pending. I hadn’t even sold any of the tools when I entered the Den. I had spent two years developing this gadget. I branded it under the company name pipe EASY ltd in June 2018.”

“I hoped Deborah Meaden would invest however Sara Davies made me an offer that I couldn’t refuse. I was seeking a £41,000 investment for 15% equity but ended up taking an offer from Sara of the whole sum for 30%.

“I am more than happy about this; I can’t really put it into words. The reality of all this is still sinking in. Things like this don’t happen to people like me.” 

Sara Davies is a new Dragon to the Den and also the youngest – she is also 35 at time of writing. She founded a company called Crafter’s Companion which supplies crafting products to retailers worldwide. The company’s turnover is around £34m and Sara employs around 190 people globally, she first started her business while at university. She has also become a well known face as a presenter on numerous shopping channels. 

Tiernan was born in Manchester and is one of 13 children. His family moved to Northern Ireland at a very young age due to his father’s armed service life and later the family returned to the UK mainland. 

“My youngest clear memories of growing up in Northern Ireland was of soldiers walking around with guns, sand bags, tanks check points etc.

“I’m from an extremely poor background having hand me down clothes and sharing clothing, shopping in charity shops & hardly ever receiving birthday gifts nor many Christmas presents, my mother done the best she could with what she had access too. My school career was terrible academic wise.

“My cousin Robert was a huge influence on my younger life as he built himself up from nothing and is now successful. I’m grateful to my older brother Harry who taught me how to install flooring. All of my older brothers Harry, Jason and Ezekiel helped me take a look at the world from a completely different view and instilled a strong work ethic.

“I feel so great for even being able to gain an investment. The next step is for Sara and me to get the pipeEASY tool into production. I know I’m going to learn a lot from her.”

“I’ve worked hard to provide for my family. I am not academic by any means. I have stumbled through my life learning to adapt to extreme pressures and conditions. To those struggling on their invention or business idea journey, I’d say believe in you because your invention or idea is achievable,” Tiernan said.

For more information visit https://www.pipeeasy.com

TGt Advertising
Ruby Reign Events (Animated Ad)
PDQ 4 You Animated Ad
DIY Direct (Affiliate)
Manchester City Shop (affiliate)
LV Electrix (Animated Ad)
Leonardo Hotel (Leaderboard Ad)

Weather in Manchester

In case you missed it see what’s in this section