Features / peequal
The Bristol University graduates who have invented ‘a landmark of equity’
Festival goers waiting in line for portable toilets will be familiar with queuing for unbearably long periods of time.
Hazel McShane and Amber Probyn knew this feeling all too well and decided to come together to create a solution for all women.
The pair founded PEEQUAL, the UK’s first urinal for women, while studying on their masters degrees at the University of Bristol, when Hazel was 23 and Amber was 21.
PEEQUAL then appeared at six UK music festivals in 2022, including Glastonbury, Wilderness, Green Man, and Shambala.
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Hazel and Amber spoke to Bristol24/7 about how they launched their business in 2020, what the urinals are made from and how they are striving for PEEQUAL to become a necessity at every event in the UK.
Where did the idea come from for the urinals, and why did you see a need for your invention?
Amber said: “We wanted to solve our problem!
“We both spent our university summers working at festivals and in our break we had to choose between going to the loo or getting food because the toilet queues were so long. We got so frustrated we thought, surely there is a better way?”
How did you get your business off the ground?
Hazel explained: “Initially it was personal grit and securing money from grants, Amber and I coupled working full time jobs and creating PEEQUAL in the early mornings and evenings.
“The support from Bristol University basecamp team and the innovation department was pivotal, they run competitions and give out grants to help student business grow.
“After winning one of these competitions we were able to go full time PEEQUAL which meant all of our energy went into getting PEEQUAL off the ground which made a big difference.
“Another key thing which helped get PEEQUAL off the ground testing our very early stage prototype at small events such as Bristol Comedy Garden on Bristol Downs. We were able to get informed feedback from the guests as well as having an interview with BBC Bristol.
“This coverage launched us online and we received interest from hundreds of events, in the UK and internationally.”
In what ways is PEEQUAL a sustainable business/concept?
Amber said: “PEEQUAL has been developed with sustainability at its core.
“It is a flat pack and three times more efficient to pack than a portable toilet.
“It is manufactured using recycled ocean plastic waste and a biopolymer from sugarcane production.”
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How did you grow your business once it was launched?
Hazel commented: “When we wanted to scale our business we sought private equity investment from Angel investors like the founder of Monzo and funds to help us reach as many women as possible.
“We raised just over a quarter of a million pounds.”
What does the future hold for PEEQUAL? Do you hope to go international?
Amber said their mission is to take over the UK and spread the word on their business.
She said: “We want PEEQUAL to become a necessity at every event, a landmark of equity. This year we plan to establish ourselves in the UK, reaching as many women as possible.
“In the future, we plan to expand internationally, potentially into Australia, to couple the UK summer season with the Australian summer season.
“Going international will also reach more women and begin to change the societal attitude towards equal access to facilities.”
Which festivals can we expect to see your urinals at this summer?
Hazel added: “We want to take 2023 by storm and be at most of the UK’s biggest and best festivals to reach as many women as possible. We can’t reveal just yet which ones, but you can follow our Instagram @peequaluk for announcements, we will also put info on how you can join us at some of the best festivals this summer!”
Find out more on PEEQUAL’s website here.
Main photo: PEEQUAL Ltd
Read next:
- ‘Get your squat on’: Bristol start-up launches women’s urinal at Glastonbury 2022
- Bristol vendors to visit at Glastonbury 2022
- ‘Starting up my own business has helped me feel integrated within my community’
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