One of Britain’s most loved inventors, Sir James Dyson revolutionised the domestic cleaning industry with the bagless vacuum cleaner – including the apt slogan, “say goodbye to the bag!”. After 5,126 prototypes failed, he proved the power of determination by creating a market-leading household appliance company, which later evolved to produce hair straighteners, hand dryers, and air conditioners. As a company, Dyson dominates several industries.

Discover how James Dyson grew from an average boy in Norfolk to one of the richest men on the planet, below.

WHO IS SIR JAMES DYSON?

Currently, Sir James Dyson’s net worth sits at a staggering £7.8 billion. Before such wealth, his innovative and ambitious personality was clear to see from an early age. James studied engineering at university, during which he invented the Ballbarrow, a wheelbarrow that used a ball instead of a wheel - a technique he has adopted for a variety of his products, including the Dyson Ball.

As well as vacuum cleaners, he launched the Dyson Airblade hand drier in 2006, which is now commonplace in public toilets all over the country, and a range of popular hair products. Whatever James applied his innovative mind to, he has crafted market-leading products and invented new designs, to shake up the status quo.

HOW DID SIR JAMES DYSON SET UP HIS BUSINESS?

The Dyson company was officially formed in 1987 and quickly shot to the dizzying heights of business fame. The brand was inspired by an experience James had with a Walmart vacuum cleaner, which blocked suction and failed to perform. Using his skills as an engineer, he took it apart, fixed the issue and took it back to the store, vowing to develop a better product for them. Thus, the Dyson Vacuum was born.

From there, James founded his business, which now sells hundreds of products in countries all over the world. He has even delved into the world of robotics, researching alongside Imperial College London. Off the back of his company’s success, James set up the James Dyson Foundation, which supports young inventors in their journey to design and engineer the next best product.

WHAT MADE SIR JAMES DYSON FAMOUS?

There are millions of products in the world, each with its own inventor and entrepreneur behind it. Sir James Dyson has cut through the noise to pioneer his incredible inventions, revolutionising cordless vacuum cleaning and sustainable products.

A key factor of James’ fame is his innovation, which led to cutting-edge products loved by consumers across the globe. By frequently appearing in his own television adverts, James has established himself as a household name, instantly recognisable spokesperson and the embodiment of determination.

In 2007, he was made a Knight of the Realm, a title celebrating both James’ achievements and his unwavering determination. According to the CEO himself, sometimes you need to face negativity to achieve your goals, summed up in his famed quote:

“The key to success is failure… success is made of 99 per cent failure.”

Book Sir James Dyson

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