While recovering in intensive care from ketoacidosis, Richard Chambers made a discovery that would change the course of his life–and business plans. Having received an in-hospital, vitamin-loaded IV drip to help combat dehydration, he felt fantastic and wanted to share that feeling with the world.

Privately-received IV drips have taken off in popularity in the last few years, and Chambers set out to capitalise on that movement, knocking the price down and making it more accessible for the average consumer. His company, Get a Drip, now caters to everyone from the tired commuter to A-listers, and we caught up with him to see how his business is doing two years on from its launch.

WHAT WAS YOUR EUREKA MOMENT?

Having Type 1 Diabetes, I’ve been hospitalised many times (normally twice a year) due to complications arising from the Diabetes i.e. a poor immune system / Gastroenteritis. While in the hospital, I always had an IV Drip and I was blown away by how good it made me feel instantly, and my eureka moment was wanting everyone to experience this feeling! Since launching Get A Drip in 2017 I have not been hospitalised once!

WHAT EAS YOUR ELEVATOR PITCH?

Get A Drip is going to make Optimum Nutrition accessible to all, not just the super wealthy!

HOW DID YOU TEST YOUR IDEA

Vitamin Drips are already available through private clinics so I knew it was a valid idea and that there was a customer base in London. I did research into all of the existing clinics and mapped out their offerings and customers to find my niche – making vitamin drips more affordable and physically more accessible by bringing them to the high street.

I then did consumer research to validate my idea and fine-tune the offering, and the result is an approachable, friendly high-street clinic with prices up to 600 per cent cheaper than our competitors. We now have customers from A-list celebrities, pop stars, sports people and biohackers, to city workers and busy mums.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE THINKING OF STARTING A BUSINESS ON THEIR OWN?

Do it! It’s hard work and easy to talk yourself out of it but it’s incredibly rewarding in so many ways!

DO YOU HAVE A MENTOR OR ARE YOU ONE?

I have surrounded myself with many people who I count as mentors – family and friends, ex-colleagues, investors and my Get A Drip team. Everyone has different points of view to give a holistic approach to challenges.

WHAT IS THE BOOK YOU WOULD RECOMMEND THAT EVERYONE READS AND WHY?

Play Bigger by Al Ramadan, Christopher Lockhead, Dave Peterson and Kevin Maney – I’ve bought it for key members of my team and recommend that anyone starting or running a business reads it!

WHAT IS THE MOST WORTHWHILE INVESTMENT (TIME, ENERGY, MONEY) THAT YOU HAVE MADE?

Energy – when you own a business you need a lot of it – and I can thank my Energy Drips for that!

WHAT ONE FAILURE ARE YOU GLAD YOU EXPERIENCED?

My health – suffering from Diabetes felt at times like my health was failing me, but it led me to start Get A Drip and I’m now healthier than ever, it really does work to re-frame your mindset.

WHAT’S YOUR PLAN B?

I don’t need a Plan B, Get A Drip is going to take over the world!

WHAT PIECE OF INDUSTRY ADVICE DO YOU OFTEN HEAR THAT YOU DISAGREE WITH AND WHY?

To take time over making decisions – I’m proud that my team and I make quick decisions which means we’re very flexible, try new things and take up opportunities when they arise.

TALK US THROUGH YOUR MORNING ROUTINE?

My team will tell you that I am not a morning person!! I’m a night owl and work late into the night which is when my clinics are closed and I’m not disturbed by emails and phone calls. In the mornings I take my dog for a walk and take the train into London, catching up with my team while on my commute before the craziness starts again!