Summary Draft #1

 Article in question by  University of Hertfordshire

The aforementioned article published on the University of Hertfordshire's website (n.d.) , "Innovative Face Mask Breaks Inclusivity Barriers", talks about the invention of a mask called "Helloface". Invented by Dean Ezekiel, "Helloface" "aims to replace the Type IIR EN14683 Medical face mask" with its most distinct feature: Transparency. 

Having the distinct feature of transparency as the key focus of "Hellomask", the University of Hertfordshire's(n.d.) also states that the 3-ply structured transparent mask is able to keep big particles from from getting to its users while also allowing others to see their faces.

The article by University of Hertfordshire (n.d.) also stated that Dean's partially deaf wife, who read lips to assist herself in understanding conversations when she could not hear properly, inspired Dean and he realized the importance of being able to have a visual on the lips and facial expression. Thus, Dean came up with a solution that would solve communication issues where facial recognition is essential, especially in the healthcare industry.

 At the same time, Dean's previous trading business, "UPGRADE",  "went into a complete shutdown" when the first lockdown came into play during the beginning of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic as the business and the travel industry works closely with each other. During this time, Dean swiftly employed his entrepreneurial skills to bring his new idea to the next level. In order to effectively advance his idea, Dean was searching for expert advice to ensure the launch of his product was his master stroke (University of Hertfordshire's, n.d.).

With the assistance from the University of Hertfordshire's University Enterprise Zone (UEZ) and funding from Research England, Dean was able to "act fast and established a new business" to manufacture "Helloface". As an owner of a start up company, he was able to benefit from the assistance of academic experts as they could "validate his designs, provide suggestions for improvements and safeguard his Intellectual Property (IP)." (University of Hertfordshire's, n.d.) Dean was also part of the university's business incubator which provided him with "peer-to-peer learning" experience, which helped him strengthen his business and get funding opportunities along with business networks. This also allowed him to sustain his "Helloface" operations throughout the pandemic. 

Along with the established contract with big companies such as the Welsh Government and HNS Wales, University of Hertfordshire's(n.d.) states that Dean's "Helloface" is ready to present its innovative and inclusive CE marked and UK/UE compliant self to the market.