Founder Story

William Service
Director, Blue Sky Products Ltd
Inventor of Bartenders Buddy

Innovation is often born from frustration — and from experience.

Before founding Blue Sky Products Ltd, I worked in orthopaedics, where I developed a deep understanding of biomechanics, working practices, and the impact that repetitive strain can have on the body. Following a serious accident that left me with an irreparable ACL injury, I was forced to step away from that career.

That setback became the catalyst for something new.

The Moment That Sparked the Idea

While visiting a pub one evening, I watched a friend restocking bottle fridges behind the bar. The process immediately stood out to me. He was crouched in an awkward, semi-permanent position, with bottles scattered across the floor creating both inefficiency and a clear trip hazard.

From my orthopaedic background, I recognised the physical strain immediately.

And I asked a simple question:

“Isn’t there an easier, safer way to do this?”

That question became the foundation for what would later become Bartenders Buddy.

Designing a Better Way

I began by measuring fridge compartments, calculating bottle capacity, and analysing workflow. The goal wasn’t just to build a product, it was to redesign the task itself.

The solution needed to:

• Reduce restocking time

• Improve posture and minimise strain

• Eliminate trip hazards

• Maintain clear product visibility for customers

• Integrate seamlessly into existing bar operations

To validate the need, I conducted quantitative research with bar staff, gathering data on:

• Time taken to restock

• Physical discomfort and injuries

• Willingness to adopt a better system

The feedback confirmed what I had observed: the existing method was inefficient and physically demanding.

From Idea to Reality

Bringing Bartenders Buddy to life was not straightforward.

Funding was a major challenge. At the time, I was unemployed, which slowed progress in filing patents and developing prototypes. Securing investment proved even more demanding — finding people who could see not just the product, but the vision behind it.

But innovation rarely follows a smooth path.

Through persistence, research, and refinement, Bartenders Buddy evolved into a solution designed to significantly improve both efficiency and health & safety standards in hospitality environments.

A Different Way of Thinking

Later in life, I was diagnosed with ASD. Throughout my career, I have had a strong interest in systems, procedures, and improving working methods. That focus proved invaluable — first in hospitality management, then in orthopaedics, and now in product innovation.

I don’t just look at tasks.
I analyse how they’re performed, where friction exists, and how risk can be reduced.

That mindset continues to drive Blue Sky Products Ltd today.