Murray has been where you are.
More than 50 years of making products, building businesses and selling them, across four continents.
In Murray’s words
The reality is that you need to understand all the work involved to get from an idea to a product in the market that people are going to want.
I have always been keen on creating answers to particular situations that could be improved, in all facets of life. Most significantly, and for example, I saw the need to have a mattress protector that would really protect. Most products available at the time were not waterproof, and by definition would not protect a mattress.
I set about creating the solution, and from the initial concept developed a method for applying a membrane to knitted fabrics. That concept has since been applied in the domestic, commercial and hospitality markets worldwide, and can be found today all over the world.
It didn’t happen overnight. It took 5 years in total to get from concept to reality, and then the marketing began. The hard work was getting acceptance all over the world, and today it is a standard commodity found in most homes and hotels everywhere.
I have developed many other products, and helped with the conception of many fresh ideas by way of improvement of an existing technology. Some ideas are difficult to take to the market.
From the workbench to world markets
New Zealand
Travel and wetsuits
Born and raised in New Zealand.
Travel industry roles with the Union Steamship Co of NZ Ltd and White Heron Travel. Made wetsuits for surfing and waterskiing.
South Africa
17 years · Waikato (Pty) Ltd
Murray McLeod built his first manufacturing business in South Africa. Waikato (Pty) Ltd made car seat covers, embroidery, bedding and mattress protectors.
There he developed the first coated knitted waterproof fabric for towelling mattress protectors. The approach is now used worldwide in homes, hotels and hospitals.
As CEO he also developed baby products. Innovations included Jet Fax, Laser Fax, Neo Glo, electrical metering technology for Soweto electrification, and child safety products.
United Kingdom & Europe
August 1986 to January 1998
In the UK he ran Snugfit UK Ltd, which included a joint venture in Hungary, before selling the business in 1997. Across his manufacturing years he employed up to 60 staff.
The Sunday Times in London featured his laminated knitted fabrics in its “Innovations” column. Alongside the manufacturing in Hungary came the marketing of the Snugfit brand in Europe and the United Kingdom, Baby Direct Marketing, and Playgroup Infant Décor products.
Australia
Selling and valuing businesses
Since moving to Australia in 1998, Murray has worked on the other side of the table: valuing, buying and selling businesses. He ran his own brokerage, Corporate Synergies, and was a partner in CDI Global, recruiting its partners across Australia and New Zealand.
He has led innovation groups and assessed hundreds of business plans and product ideas.
Licensed business broker (Licence #1027596), and a licensed associate of Ace Business Brokers. Registered Business Valuer (RBV S92009), and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Business Brokers (AIBB, #8935).
Idea Reality Check
2026
Started Idea Reality Check to give inventors an honest evaluation of their concept or idea before they spend money pursuing their invention.
Featured in The Sunday Times, London
3 May 1987, page 80
On 3 May 1987, The Sunday Times featured Murray’s work on its Innovations page, in an article by Jane Bird headed “Perfect formula for the nursery”. It told how, after five years of research, Murray solved a problem the big textile companies thought impossible: a towelling fabric that is soft and absorbent on one side, waterproof on the other, and can be boiled and machine washed without wearing out.
The fabric, called Terrymac, was being evaluated at the time by Mothercare and Boots for baby equipment and mattress covers.
Credentials
- Licensed business broker
- Licence #1027596
- Registered Business Valuer
RBV S92009- Fellow
Australian Institute of Business Brokers (AIBB), #8935- 50+ years
- In manufacturing, product development, export and business sales.
Going the distance
Getting a product to market is an ultra-marathon, not a sprint. Murray knows a bit about those: more than 200 marathons, an Ironman, ten Comrades Marathons and five 100-mile races. He brings the same patience and persistence to every client.
- marathons
- 200+
- Ironman
- 1
- Comrades Marathons
- 10
- 100-mile races
- 5