A rise in home working combined with a drive by schools to get pupils more active, has seen orders surge for one Clitheroe entrepreneur.
Nick White founded his company, I Want A Standing Desk, in February 2014 after a chance conversation in a coffee shop sparked an idea for his business. Leaving the world of commercial property behind him, Nick set about designing a standing desk for adults and it wasn’t long until he spotted a gap in the market for a children’s version too.
His EIGER Student standing desks are now being used by more than 400 primary schools across the UK, with their benefits for all pupils – but especially those with ADHD and other neurodiverse conditions – being recognised.
Nick White explains: “Lockdown restriction saw loads more people suddenly working from home and being far more sedentary than they would usually have been. In many cases, without having a proper desk or chair and risking back pain and other problems to. Our EIGER Pro standing desk offered a solution and that’s led to a lot of orders in the last 12 months.”
Nick continued: “But our biggest market continues to be schools, who are increasingly recognising the benefits of active learning, especially for those with additional needs.
“Schools using our desks consistently report seeing improvements in behaviour, concentration and engagement levels, as well as neater handwriting and increased productivity. Not to mention the health benefits gained from increasing physical activity. And importantly, the children love using them!”
EIGER standing desks are manufactured in the UK and made from robust, sustainable birch plywood. They can be placed on top of an existing surface and folded away when not in use. Many Lancashire primary schools have successfully trialled the desks and are now using them every day, while local organisations including Lancashire County Council, Silverwoods Waste Management and Fresh Perspective Recruitment have invested in desks for their employees.
Nick added: “I’m proud to say I Want A Standing Desk is the UK’s number one educational standing desk company. Moving forward I plan to continue to build on our success in the UK, but also to forge retail channels within Europe and further afield.”
