Globees

Westerham entrepreneur aims to put big cities on the global map

They are being touted as one of this Christmas’ biggest sellers – and now the entrepreneur behind them is hoping his innovative idea delivers on its promise.

Former chartered accountant David Sinclair, who was born in Biggin Hill and now lives in Westerham, is the may behind Globees.

But rather than conventional globes of the world, they are illustrated globes depicting some of the great tourist destinations in the world.

Among them so far are the likes of Rome, New York, San Francisco, London and Edinburgh.

The idea sprang from a flash of inspiration one night in October 2008 to put a city map on to a globe – and after realising no-one else had come up with the idea he set to work.

He now has intellectual property design rights on 25 globes and patents pending. Meanwhile, retailers around the world are snapping up the Globees with hopes they could become a big festive smash.

Explains Mr Sinclair, who developed the idea along with his wife Harriot: “Globee has gone from strength to strength. I am delighted there has been such great interest from a number of major retailers who are now selling the Globees.”

Retailers stocking the product in the UK include the likes of Waterstone’s, John Lewis and WH Smith. It also has stockists from as far afield as North America, Asia, Europe and Australia.

The products range in price from £15 to £30 for the globes.

Mr Sinclair has no intention of standing still either. He is already putting the finishing touches to soon-to-be-launched Talking Globees – which will have talking sensors giving audio information about historic and tourist sites.

He’s also working on Braille versions of the talking globe and a range of spin-offs such as money boxes, puzzles, umbrellas and children’s books.

“I believe they are proving so popular because they have such a wide appeal for children and adults alike. Globees are both educational and fun and what better way of keeping your memories alive.”