A Yorkshire entrepreneur is aiming to bring UK office workers together whilst tackling productivity issues with his innovative re-design of the humble tea mug.
The Buddy Mug, a sleekly tessellating tea mug, aims to take the stress out of the everyday tea run. The unique shape allows multiple mugs to be carried in one hand, limiting the risk of spillages and burns, and cutting the need for multiple trips to the kettle.
Entrepreneur Andrew Kitchen developed the Buddy Mug after a study by T6 revealed that the average UK employee spends a portion of their working day making and fetching hot drinks.
The figures show that the average office worker spends 24 minutes a day brewing drinks for colleagues- resulting in a productivity deficit of more than 5000 hours a year.
While this resulted in a productivity issue for many UK businesses, further studies by Chinese researchers revealed that tea consumption in everyday life can cut depression, boost creativity and build social bonds.
Andrew quickly realised that with an innovative new design he could tackle the problem and make the tea run as quick and stress free as possible- gaining valuable time back for employees whilst making it as easy as possible to take five and socialise with colleagues.
Andrew said: “Tea drinking has been proven to boost moods and inspire creativity. To some designers a mug is just another home accessory, but to me it’s much more than that. Chatting over a cuppa is sometimes the only interaction a family has after a busy day. A cup of tea is a way to calm down for some. To others it’s what gets them going in the morning.
“The idea with Buddy Mugs was ultimately to bring people together. There’s nothing better than taking the time to share a brew with loved ones, colleagues or family. And with its unique design, the Buddy Mug cuts the time it takes to make a round of drinks, leaving more time to relax, socialise, innovate and create.”
Buddy Mugs currently retail at £14.00 and are available in eight stylish colourways based on different personality traits. If you purchase a Buddy Mug before 31st May you will receive another free of charge.
The design will feature on channel 4’s Buy It Now on 8th May.
