On the path of least resistance, it's often easier to stick to the routes we know best - and in business this can mean never venturing far from local markets or trying new practices. Where others fear to tread, however, there are companies leading the way and they come from the unlikeliest of starting points.

AS part of a lasting legacy of the 2012 Olympics, a competition challenged design teams to develop a product that would help less mobile members of the community go swimming. The winners responded with a design that far surpassed the hoist-based systems of the previous generation.

The end result was also a new company, Poolpod Products, set up to commercialise the concept product and take it to a global market.

Today we talk to the company's founder and CEO, Josh Reid.

In what way is the Poolpod concept pioneering and is innovation still at the heart of your company?

"Unlike previous solutions the Poolpod is a sleek looking platform lift that allows less able people to access a swimming pool quickly and without the fuss - and often associated embarrassment - of hoist systems.

"Our lift has been carefully designed. It leaves lanes uninterrupted for swimming, is less hassle for lifeguards and is both safe and affordable.

"The cutting-edge design it incorporates is still very much a part of our business; in fact, it's the fundamental process we use to make sure we meet customers' needs."

Has Poolpod always been a pioneer?

"Yes, Poolpod has always been innovative and accepted no compromises. The brief for the London 2012 competition was challenging and attracted entries from around the world.

"Poolpod has patents pending in the major markets around the world and, although the company has grown, the innovative design that delivers to customers' needs remains our main selling point."

Where does Poolpod operate globally?

"Poolpods have received international attention and we are exporting to Australia this year and key markets in Europe in 2016.

"We want to ensure we are the best we can be around the world, not only in the product but also in our service and support, and that demands commitment.

"So we are testing our export model in Australia to perfect it before we enter other markets.

"We started with Australia because the equality legislation is particularly favourable to our product since all large new pools there must include a platform lift or ramp.

"The distances are huge, both to Australia and within the country itself, but at least we are not crossing language barriers!"

Does having a global outlook help business?

"Some people say to be unique is pretty rare and, if you think what you have is, then it means you need to get out more and spread the message.

"Many distributors from around the world are requesting our product and telling us we have the right solution - that makes me confident the needs we are addressing are universal.

"Knowing our product meets those needs reinforces our vision we can turn this into a global success in many markets."

What are your long-term goals?

"We want to target areas of preventative healthcare and wellness with products that address universal needs. This is a sector that is going to expand.

"With ageing societies we will simply not be able to provide medical care in the same ways - I think we are reaching a stage where preventative health will become ever more important.

"Poolpod is a great first product in this field and exporting this will give the company a mature and experienced launch pad for further groundbreaking products."

Should companies be seeking out new opportunities?

"I know many Scottish businesses that do great work overseas, such as in the oil and gas sector. However, there is definitely more to be done to inspire businesses to be as outward looking at they can be.

"As a manager of a small business one can sometimes lose sight of the bigger picture and that is where an organisation such as Scottish Development International can help by sharing experience and knowledge gained from assisting hundreds of Scottish businesses."

How can others learn from your approach to the international marketplace?

"It will be different from business to business but what we did was consider all the markets and pinpoint where we had the greatest opportunity.

"We made sure we had the right distributor, one well incentivised to sell our product.

"Now we are continuing to play an active role in our export markets to assist the distributors and ensure market penetration."