Engineer Philip Shad has come up with an invention that even Lord Sugar said was a great idea. His device, a wireless sewing machine, is believed to be the first of it kind and Mr Shad, 52, has recently secured a patent for the product.

He is now looking to distribute the machine in schools across the UK, having secured a contract with Rosh Pinah in north London. Mr Shad, who runs Shad Sewing Machines, tells People: “Sewing is becoming increasingly popular in schools. In the recession, people are learning to repair their own items at home instead of buying new ones.”

The wireless device has a rechargeable battery in the foot control. He came up with the idea when he was servicing a school’s sewing machine. He then contacted Lord Sugar, who he says encouraged him to develop his idea.

Mr Shad is in talks with JCoSS to supply wireless sewing machines to their special needs unit. He has also supplied Kenton Learning Centre and the Victoria and Albert Museum Learning and Interpretation Department.