Trevor had always had a passion for inventing, especially inventing products that might help the physically handicapped. In 1993, Trevor watched a program about the spread of AIDS in Africa, which observed that in many regions radio was the only available means of communication, but the need for batteries or electricity made them too expensive or too difficult to access. There was a need for an educational tool that did not rely on electricity. Trevor picked up on the word ‘need’. Need is the catalyst for an inventor’s ‘raison d’être’ and Trevor rose to the occasion. In his workshop at home he experimented with a hand brace, an electric motor and a small radio. After some tinkering, Trevor invented the world’s first clockwork (windup) radio!

Despite many rejections from manufacturers, in April 1994 Trevor’s’ invention was featured on on the BBC program ‘Tomorrow’s World’. The product’s potential was immediately recognized across the globe. The BBC program ‘QED’ filmed and broadcast an award winning documentary about Trevor’s development of the radio. In June of 1996 the Freeplay radio was awarded the BBC Design Award for Best Product and Best Design. Trevor Baylis met Queen Elizabeth and Nelson Mandela at a state banquet and went to South Africa with the Dutch Television Service for a program that documented his life. In October, Trevor was awarded the OBE by The Princess Royal at Buckingham Palace, and was featured in an edition of “This Is Your Life”. Trevor continues his tireless work to promote the concept of ‘personal power’, as well as his campaign to establish a Royal Academy of Inventors.