Balance bike company Kiddimoto settles into its new Cheddar headquarters

Simon Booth created the Kiddimoto balance bike from the comfort of his home in Axbridge in 2003, before later expanding into premises in Westbury-sub-Mendip.

His colourful bike designs were inspired by a bland-looking German design and styled after his own motorcycle.

He realised he had a successful business after selling six bikes at a motorcycle show in West Point, Exeter and then a further 140 at an convention in Birmingham.

A desire to expand nationally saw him appear on a hit BBC programme in 2011.

Simon said: “Before I knew it I had submitted an application to Dragon’s Den and was contacted three days later to do a screen test.”

In the space of three short weeks, Simon appeared on the popular show and won offers from Hilary Devey and Duncan Bannatyne.

He described the experience as a whirlwind. He said: “They came in to do an audit of the business but we didn’t go through with the investment in the end.”

However, Simon now sells his products in John Lewis, Halfords and Hamley’s and has opened his new office in the Wedmore Road business park.

He said: “We have been very lucky and we have worked very hard. It hasn’t been easy, though – we are 13 years on and still working hard.”