An Edinburgh IT worker has developed a clip-on device for supermarket trolleys to help those who put their shopping lists on their mobile phones.
My Trolley Mate is a mobile phone holder designed to enable shoppers to seamlessly use their phones for lists, budgeting, and checking ingredients. The device clips on to trolleys, keeping phones visible and easily accessible.
Sharon Ward, the founder of MTM Concepts, secured a £15,000 loan from DSL Business Finance through the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme to help with production costs ahead of the product’s release.
The idea for My Trolley Mate emerged during a frustrating shopping experience in the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic. Juggling a mask, handheld scanner, and annoyed by the mobile phone screen constantly locking, Ms Ward began developing her own design.
To better understand shopping habits, she surveyed 800 people through the egg social media channels – Scotland’s largest networking group for professional women.
Two-thirds of respondents reported using their phones while shopping, with 85% relying on them for shopping lists. Many also expressed feeling self-conscious about checking their phones in-store, particularly during the pandemic, when face masks made screen unlocking more difficult.
My Trolley Mate was designed as a lightweight, portable clip-on holder to keep phones accessible and secure while also featuring a space for a trolley coin.
Unlike bulkier alternatives made for bicycles or prams, the device uses MagSafe technology – a magnetic attachment system developed by Apple – allowing the phone to attach quickly and reliably. To ensure compatibility with all devices, the holder includes a self-adhesive MagSafe ring that can be applied to any phone case.
Ms Ward, who currently works in IT for Tesco Bank, developed the product despite having no previous manufacturing experience. She collaborated with a colleague who owns a 3D printer to create the initial prototype, allowing her to test and refine the design.
To prepare for full-scale production, she worked with an injection moulding company to optimise the materials and manufacturing process, ensuring the final product was durable, lightweight, and cost-effective for mass production.
She said: “Getting the product to market has taken time. Developing the right design, testing prototypes, and learning about the manufacturing process has all been a challenge, but it’s been incredibly rewarding to see the idea come to life.”
Barry McCulloch, senior manager, UK Network, Scotland at the British Business Bank, said: “The pandemic was a turning point for many entrepreneurs, and I often hear how lockdown offered them the time to pause, reflect, and reconsider their business goals.
“For many, that reflection sparked new ideas and ways of thinking about their business’s future. My Trolley Mate is a perfect example of that kind of resilience and innovation.
“Sharon saw a common problem and created a simple yet effective solution, which is at the heart of successful start ups.”
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