Inverclyde start-up brings innovative Care Cape to market with support from Business Gateway

An Inverclyde start-up supported by Business Gateway has successfully brought an innovative new product to market, designed to restore dignity and comfort during personal care.

L & M Care Solutions, founded by Lorraine Moran, who worked at Inverclyde Council, and Maureen Callan, who has worked in the voluntary sector since 2002, developed the Care Cape after seeing first-hand how distressing personal care can feel for people who are uncomfortable being undressed in front of unfamiliar carers. The idea grew from a simple but powerful observation – that anxiety around exposure can be just as challenging as the care itself.

The Care Cape is a lightweight, thoughtfully designed cover that allows individuals to remain discreetly covered while being supported with washing, drying and dressing. Developed for wheelchair users and people with limited mobility, the product enables carers to provide safe and effective care while preserving the wearer’s privacy and dignity.

The product includes three access points to allow washing without full exposure, soft adjustable neck ties for comfort and safety, and a versatile design that provides continuous coverage throughout all stages of personal care. It can be used across a range of settings, including care homes, hospitals, supported living environments and private homes.

After extensive development and user feedback, the business has now secured a manufacturing partner overseas. This has reduced production costs to around 20% of equivalent UK manufacturing, making the product commercially viable and accessible to a wider market.

Throughout the journey of designing and bringing the Care Cape to market, the founders worked closely with Business Gateway, receiving marketing support, strategic guidance and access to Business Gateway’s Information Service. This support helped them navigate early product development challenges, including sourcing a manufacturer and validating market demand.

Thanks to Business Gateway, Maureen and Lorraine also accessed a start-up grant from Inverclyde Council, which went towards the costs of a work phone, as well as marketing materials including flyers and attending events.

After attending lots of Christmas fayres, schools and community centres over the last few months, L&M Care Solutions is now focused on expanding distribution of the Care Cape and building partnerships across health and social care, community organisations and families.

Maureen Callan, co-founder, L & M Care Solutions, said: “The Care Cape was created with one goal in mind – to support care with dignity, compassion and practical design. I’m very proud to continue sharing it with professionals across health and social care, community organisations and families.

“The support from our Business Gateway adviser, Alexis, has been incredible. There were moments we considered giving up, but she encouraged us to keep going. Having expert guidance and someone who genuinely believed in the product made all the difference. We’re incredibly proud to see the Care Cape helping people maintain dignity and independence.

Alexis Watson, Business Gateway adviser, said: “Maureen and Lorraine’s commitment to solving a real unmet need in the care sector is inspiring. We were so pleased to support them from the early stages, advising on planning, funding routes and marketing, and to see the business now launching a product that can genuinely transform people’s daily lives.”