Five questions for… Richard Baker, founder, Nimbus Fire

What does your firm do?

Nimbus Fire manufactures a fire-fighting system that is kind on the environment and has the potential to save firefighters' lives. It uses a misting system that is scientifically proven to be more efficient at fighting fire than conventional hoses. It uses significantly less water to achieve a greater effect, and the run off is minimal, meaning a lot of fire-fighting can be done with a minimal amount of water.

Nimbus Fire also doesn't rely on chemical additives that pollute water supplies and cause local damage, which is expensive to clean up. The only thing our product leaves behind is dampness.

What's been your greatest achievement so far?

Our greatest achievement was the invention and patenting of the Nimbus System. It was the first on the market to be versatile, simple-to-use, easy-to-maintain and very robust, as well as being so safe to use that eight-year-olds can operate it.

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What has been your biggest challenge?

Getting the British Fire Service to see the potential of our system. Everyone, even firefighters, are impressed and can't understand why it isn't in common use, but those who do the buying are beguiled by size and cost.

What are your plans for hitting your targets this year?

We have taken on a former double-glazing salesman as sales director, who relishes the challenge of selling something completely different to a very different market.

What's the one piece of advice you would give fellow entrepreneurs?

Never give up. Especially if you are told it can't be done.