Editors Keys

This award celebrates the entrepreneurship and creativity of a business that launched with a truly innovative idea on eBay.

In 2004, Mark Brown swapped university to pursue his dream of becoming a video producer. Although he was prepared to invest in the necessary equipment, he couldn’t justify spending over £300 on an editing keyboard – so he decided to create his own.

Using plastic veneers, he created a product that would transform a normal PC or Mac keyboard into an editing one, for only £8.99. He ordered 100 units and, after taking one for himself, listed them all on eBay. In just one day, he had sold out and was astounded when he received requests for more items.

Mark was living at home and working part time for ITV when he decided to invest his last £100 into the business.

Unable to afford the cost of website development, eBay acted as a gateway to a global customer base.

Selling a wide range of editing and recording equipment, Editors Keys’ products are used by companies like the BBC and ITV, as well as some of the biggest YouTube stars and recording studios like Abbey Road.

Business was then hit by the recession and he had to consider going into full time work. However, his drive and passion meant he wanted to see his innovative product go worldwide. To see this dream through, he secured a business loan and established Editors Keys Ltd.