Insider Media Limited

PREVENTING HELLISH FIRES

Who? Smith of Derby.
Where? Not surprisingly, Derby.
Developed what? ChurchCAM, a solution to the problems faced by churches in the 21st century (fire and theft, basically).
What’s the background? Smith of Derby is no new kid on the block, having built a reputation for clock making over the past 150 years. It now works with clients to provide design and build solutions for architectural features and public art, and has picked up on the fact that every day churches are burning down or being robbed and has produced something that doesn’t just leave their fate in God’s hands.
How does it work? ChurchCAM uses technology selected for use in churches, cathedrals vicarages and heritage buildings and includes fire detection, CCTV monitoring and motion detection, with audio recording and text alert to up to eight designated people notifying them that the system has been tagged.
Will we see it? Yes. The system has been developed in partnership with SS systems, the UK’s leading ecclesiastical fire protection company in consultation with the clerical community and Ecclesiastical Insurance. Managing director Bob Betts says: “ChurchCAM provides a cost-effective way of protecting churches, employees and visitors from crime or loss through fire.”

CREDIT WHERE IT’S DUE

Who? Draycir.
Where? Leicester.
Developed what? Credit Guardian.
What’s the background? Draycir is a software development company set up by Richard Reaveley and Robert Ball. It has 14 staff and a reputation for being innovative. It is planning to move into international markets and carry on creating software products.
How does it work? Getting cash flow right can be the difference between survival and going to the wall. Credit Guardian enables businesses to credit check customers and suppliers – to guard against the risk of late payment, identity fraud and the impact of insolvency. It links into companies’ accountancy systems and combines that information with business data from Experian, enabling businesses to get a unique view of how they are trading and identifies how much money they have outstanding/awaiting payment by high-risk companies.
Will we see it? Yes, it’s up and running and proving popular, according to company director Reaveley.

THE VISION THING

Who? Phase Vision.
Where? Loughborough University.
Developed what? Broadband metrology.
What’s the background? This Loughborough University spin-out is poised to become a world leader in optical metrology, having secured more than £1.4m funding, led by Octopus Ventures. The Lachesis Fund (and others) also participated.
How does it work? Phase Vision’s products products are 3D measurement systems that use a non-contact structured lighting technique, developed at Loughborough University. They provide incredibly accurate measurement data that can be used in a range of industries including helping to reduce the drag of an aircraft’s wing, generating enormous fuel savings for airlines.
Will we see it? Yes. The money is in and it’s all systems go.

GREEN MACHINE

Who? EVO Design Solutions.
Where? Grantham.
Developed what? Battery-powered racing bikes.
What’s the background? EVO has designed and built two batterypowered racing bikes using entirely UK-based manufacturing and materials. The project was initially funded from the business, but the 50 per cent matched innovation support grant from the Transport iNet of £10,000 has allowed the company to get external help and buy battery kits and regenerative braking systems.
How does it work? EVO, which offers design services to the engineering sector, is the brain behind the battery bike but it was a collaborative effort – the motor, chassis and control systems were all built by small UK businesses.
Will we see it? If you happened to be in the Isle of Man on 12 June when the world’s first zero-carbon, clean emission grand prix took place you would already have seen it.

HEART OF THE MATTER

Who? Dr Carl Barratt.
Where? BioCity, Nottingham.
Developed what? MonicaAN24, a fetal heart monitoring device that uses highly sensitive electronics to provide constant monitoring of the heartbeat.
What’s the background? Barratt and his team at Monica have spent more than 15 years developing Monica AN24, which could help save the lives of thousands of unborn babies. The technology has been supported by the University of Nottingham.
How does it work? It is an advancement on the traditional Doppler Ultrasound technique. It moves on from ‘snap shot monitoring’, is completely passive on the foetus and its light weight and compact design means mums to be can carry on with their everyday activities.
Will we see it? Yes. Monica Healthcare has a proven track record and this device offers enormous benefits during ‘at risk’ pregnancies.

THE ICEMAN COMETH

Who? Chris Spurr.
Where? De Montfort University, Leicester.
Developed what? A flat pack fridge.
What’s the background? The product design student’s idea for a flat pack refrigerator has received a top arts award from the Royal Society of Arts. Spurr graduates this summer.
How does it work? The fridge comes as a flat pack modular system featuring three components – a base unit housing the compressor; a back unit accommodating the condenser; and the main cavity for storage of goods, which is built from flat-sealed panels to form separate compartments. The flat pack components are easier to recycle and can be easily replaced when broken, or as more advanced technologies become available. The design also allows for further compartments to be added, increasing the capacity of the fridge.
Will we see it? Hopefully. It’s in the public eye. Alan Crummey, senior lecturer in product design at the university, says: “Winning this award should thrust Chris into the career he has worked towards and catch the attention of design professionals.”