Colin's Story

The name Floataway was coined and registered by Colin Stanwell-Smith in 1999 during the development of the original product. Drawing on a lifetime of engineering experience, Colin designed and engineered the Floataway float tank from the ground up.

His background included an Honours degree in Mechanical Engineering from Bristol, followed by a graduate apprenticeship at the British Aircraft Corporation during the period when Concorde was preparing for its first flight. He later spent twelve years with the technology division of PA Consulting, where he became Chairman of Senior Consultants, working alongside leading scientists and engineers involved in the development of emerging high-technology products.

In 1983, Colin established his own consultancy, Cosine Ltd, developing a wide range of products across multiple industries. His work was recognised with a Design Effectiveness Award in 1992. Alongside consultancy, he designed products including children’s furniture, a high-performance pedalo, a radio-linked security system, and a small hay baling machine, and pioneered early applications of fibre optics in conservation lighting while acting as lighting advisor to the National Trust. He also lectured in product design and mechanics at Brunel University.

In 1999, Colin committed fully to the development of his own float tank design, personally prototyping and producing the first full-scale patterns by hand. The first prototype was completed in early 2000. Initial sales enabled the business to grow from a small workshop into dedicated factory premises in Hingham, Norfolk.

Over time, the company expanded its range to include float rooms and larger-format systems, developed in response to client requirements. The design approach combined distinctive form with ongoing technical refinement, supported by a small specialist team including his son, Toby Stanwell-Smith.

Floataway grew to become a recognised manufacturer within the global floatation industry, known for its distinctive designs and engineering-led approach.