Solihull-based Surestop has developed a product that is set to revolutionise the plumbing industry.
The firm was created in March following an MBI of Sure GB by businessman Alan Vurlan and design engineer Martin Dalton.
The partners acquired the business - which employs 12 people at its base in Bickenhill - out of administration with financial backing from Barclays.
The Birmingham born and bred duo have been developing the Surestop mini switch, which is powered by water pressure and enables homeowners to switch off water easily, avoiding the usual stop-cock problems of accessibility, turning difficulty and seizure.
It is small in design, aesthetically appealing and can be recessed into a wall, again making it easier to locate.
The device could be used in both the refurbishment market as well as the new build sector.
Designed and invented by Mr Dalton, a former technical director with Triton Showers, it is predicted to have enormous appeal to the new build property and kitchen installation markets.
It was officially launched last weekend at Interbuild exhibition at the NEC where it was
short-listed for the Interbuild New Product of the Year Award. Mr Dalton said: "Many homeowners don't know where their stop-cock is located and even when they are able to find it, it can often be troublesome to turn as it may be old and seized up.
"I came up with this design which looks just like a normal light switch and can be located in much more convenient places."
Mr Vurlan said: "Even before its official launch, one of the largest house builders in the UK have stated they intend to install the Surestop water switch in some of their new build developments. We plan to introduce the technology to various other market sectors and export the product on a worldwide basis.
"It is Birmingham people producing a Birmingham product, not something from the Far East."
Mr Vurlan was previously an executive in the steel industry, running subsidiaries in Corus and Frederick Cooper.
He had been involved in two very successful MBO's - Firsteel Group and Frederick Cooper - and his track record was well known to Barclays.
