The business, called MXER, has been set up by Christopher and Nicola Robertson alongside their respective day jobs as an engineer and business development executive in Glasgow.

Christopher, a DJ himself, spotted a growing trend among musicians resorting to using designer cross body bags to transport equipment, often resulting in costly damage to and the loss of headphones and music storage devices.

With this in mind, the couple developed their flagship MXER Pro headphone bag, which features two detachable compartments to safeguard headphones, USB drives, passports, smartphones and SD cards. The bag also includes a shoulder strap and a MXER belt. Its modular design allows DJs to customise how they wear it, and the detachable festival bag can be worn on its own as an everyday accessory, reducing the need to buy multiple products.

Co-founders Christopher and Nicola recently secured funding from the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme and Virgin StartUp to cover manufacturing and packaging costs. The product is handcrafted from recycled water-resistant ripstop nylon, making it a more environmentally friendly purchase compared to other bags.

The MXER Pro headphone bag is now available for purchase from the business’s website, as well as at the independent music retailer Rubadub, located on Howard Street in Glasgow’s city centre. Customers can also shop for a range of stylish MXER apparel designed by Nicola, who studied fashion at Nottingham Trent University.

With an ambition to become the go-to brand for DJs and producers worldwide, MXER is setting its sights on collaborations with international artists to develop a line of products that cater to the needs of the global DJ community.

Christopher Robertson said: “As a DJ for over 20 years, I understand the importance of protecting expensive DJ equipment & priceless music saved on USB drives. At the same time, I also know that people in the music industry can be quite trend-driven, so I wanted to create a unique product that blends functionality with fashion. Sustainability was also a key factor in the design, and we have been working closely with our manufacturers to ensure that it meets the high standards we strive for in terms of environmental responsibility and durability.

“The funding and support from the British Business Bank was an essential stepping stone in bringing our product to market, and we’re very grateful for all the help we’ve received from our adviser at Virgin StartUp.”

Barry McCulloch, senior manager, UK Network, Scotland at the British Business Bank, added: “MXER perfectly exemplifies the entrepreneurial drive and creativity that the Start Up Loans programme is all about. Christopher and Nicola have transformed their skills and hobbies into a thriving business, filling a niche in the global DJ market. I’m excited to see what’s next in terms of artist collaborations and to watch the business continue to flourish and grow.”

Andy Fishburn, managing director at Virgin StartUp, commented: “It’s great when founders like Christopher and Nicola prove that you can develop a product that is both fun and sustainable and we love their ambition to take MXER global. It’s been a pleasure to be part of their start-up journey and we hope they keep in touch on our new online Virgin StartUp Community for UK founders.”