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Case Studies |
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Innovation
2009 - Apical Limited
2009 - Beamer Limited
2009 - Disposable Cubicle
Curtains Ltd
2009 - Women Like
Us
2008 - Bernhard and
Company Ltd
2008 -
Piscel Technologies Ltd
2008
- 4FX Healthcare Ltd
2008 - Aqualisa Products Limited
2007 - Air Products PLC, Packaged Gases Group
2007 - Horizon Global Electronics Ltd
2007 - International Paint
Ltd
2006 - Balcan
Engineering
2006 - Tilsatec, a
Division of Sirdar Spinning Ltd
2005 -
apetito
2005 - Autotype
2005 - Carton Edge Systems
2005 - FilmLight
2005 - Martek Marine
2005 - Safeglass (Europe)
2005 - ScotAsh
2005 - The Training Foundation
Apical Ltd
Apical Ltd were awarded a Queen's Award for Innovation
for developing iridix, a technology for improving the performance of imaging
devices.
iridix is based on research into how the human eye processes
visual information, and Apical's IP cores and software libraries enable cameras
and displays to produce higher-quality, more realistic images. When Apical
launched iridix in 2002, it was rapidly recognised by device manufacturers
worldwide as a significant innovation in digital imaging.
Cameras which
embed iridix are able to take more natural pictures automatically over a wide
range of scenes, while displays can operate more effectively in low-power modes
and deliver a more vivid viewing experience even under difficult viewing
conditions.
iridix technology has been licensed worldwide and is
estimated to have been incorporated in over fifty million products, including
digital cameras, mobile phones, surveillance cameras and displays.
Michael Tusch, Managing Director, said "We are delighted to receive a
Queen's Award for Innovation. We're all motivated by the challenge of innovating
in this fast-moving and complex industry, and it's great for our team to get the
recognition of this prestigious award."
Business: Research, development
and licensing of advanced imaging technology
Location: London W1B
Employees: 15
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Beamer Limited
A Queen's Award for Innovation was won by Beamer Limited
for the development of the Tramper, an all-terrain, electric, mobility vehicle
for countryside enjoyment by less mobile individuals.
Previously,
mobility vehicles were unreliable on uneven terrain. The Tramper combines an
innovative steering configuration which eliminates steering ‘kick-back' (the
sharp, rapid movements of the steering column when obstructions are encountered)
with a low centre of gravity, a powerful motor and specialist suspension units.
It gives full control to drivers in challenging environments including mud,
streams and snow.
Having proved its reliability in various endurance
events, the Tramper is providing access to a variety of recreational areas under
the aegis of local authorities, the Forestry Commission, the National Trust and
others.
Business: "Tramper" all-terrain mobility vehicles for less mobile users
Location:
Salisbury, Wiltshire
Employees: 4
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Disposable Cubicle Curtains Ltd
As one of the smallest winners in 2009, with just 4
employees, Disposable Cubicle Curtains Ltd (DCCL) were honoured to receive a
Queen's Award for Innovation for the creation of Easy-fit the Super Bug killing
patented disposable curtain for hospital wards.
DCCL created the
Easy-fit disposable curtain that requires no hooks and fits virtually all new
and existing curtain track systems. This system was so innovative that DCCL were
granted a patent in July 2008.
DCL took every care to ensure that their
disposable curtain met the highest level of NHS fire safety protection. DCCL
also incorporated an anti-microbial biocide onto the curtain that has been
proven to reduce levels of infection.
Peter Gardner, Chairman of DCCL,
said "We are honoured that we have been awarded such a prestigious accolade and
for our product to be recognised in this way. Not only has it given us a leading
edge over our competitors but we can proudly say that we are playing an active
role in the fight against infection which is such a high priority in all
healthcare environments."
Business: "Easy-fit" disposable
cubicle curtains for hospitals
Location: Horsham, West Sussex
Employees: 4
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Women Like Us
Part-time
recruitment experts Women Like Us received an award in the Innovation category
for their pioneering service which helps women with children to find work that
fits around their families.
The company has a threefold approach for
helping women back to work – expert free career coaching guides women on their
journey back to work, a recruitment service helps women to find part-time jobs
that match their skills and experience, and employers are supported with job
design, recruitment and advice on flexible working.
The company actively
partners with more than 150 schools and reaches more than 40,000 women per term.
Over 100 employers register per month, with a third returning to recruit yet
more staff from the ‘women returners' talent pool.
Business: Recruitment agency
Location: London
N19
Employees:
39
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Bernhard and Company Ltd
Bernhard and Company, the UK mower blade sharpening specialist
based in Rugby, proved to be a cut above the competition receiving The 2008
Queen's Award for Enterprise in the Innovation category.
Award success was based on the continuous innovation and
development of Bernhard's highly-regarded Express Dual and Anglemaster
sharpening systems. Used by leading golf clubs and sports turf facilities
worldwide, this equipment produces surgically sharp blades on cylinder mowers,
allowing sports providers to create first-class presentation standards.
Managing Director Stephen Bernhard said:
"We
all work hard with one goal in mind - customer satisfaction. Queen's Awards are
not easily achieved and I would like to pay special tribute to the sheer hard
work demonstrated by our dedicated workforce. We can feel justifiably proud of
our collective efforts. I would also like to thank our associates and customers
around the world for their continuing loyalty and support."
This is not the first time Bernhard has been recognized for
outstanding performance. In 1997 it won the Department of Trade and Industry's
(DTI) Exporter of the Year Award for medium-sized business.
Business: Manufacturers and
suppliers of lawn mowers
Location:
Warwickshire
Employees: 17
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Piscel
Technologies Ltd
Piscel Technologies won a
Queen's Award for Enterprise in 2008 in both the International and Innovation
categories. Established in Glasgow in 1998, by two digital media technology
entrepreneurs Imran Khand and Dr Majid Anwar, Picsel has forged a reputation as
one the world's most innovative and exciting mobile technology companies.
Headquartered in Glasgow Scotland, the company now employs over 250 engineers
around the globe, with satellite offices in Europe, Asia and the U.S.
Picsel's success originate from its ePAGE
technology - a graphics rendering engine for mobile devices providing the best
possible user experience bar none through enabling consumers to interact with
every type of content, in all its original richness, on any kind of device. To
date, ePAGE technology has been preloaded onto more than 200 million devices
worldwide. Key stakeholders across the mobile industry - including network
operators, handset manufacturers and content providers - rely on Picsel's
dynamic ePAGE™ technology to deliver vibrant, visually rich user experiences
that actively enrich how consumers express themselves and share information. Its
customer base includes blue-chip brands such as Motorola, Samsung, LG, Palm, NEC
and Sharp.
Commenting on the Award, Imran
Khand, Picsel CEO said: "Receiving two Queen's Awards for Innovation and
International is indeed a great honour and in turn acknowledges the company's
efforts in developing and promoting innovation in the field of mobile
technology".
Business: Mobile Software
Location:
Glasgow, Scotland
Employees: 152 in UK, 255
globally
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4FX Healthcare Ltd
As a
husband and wife team we were immensely proud to be one of the three smallest
companies to receive the Queens Award in 2008. Winning the Award is the ultimate
endorsement for our 4little1 Baby nose-clear range which helps infants breathe,
feed and sleep more easily. Baby nose-clear is now sold in major multiples and
pharmacies throughout the UK and winning the Award has helped to improve our
distribution still further.
The Queens Award
is the most prestigious corporate award open to UK business and being able to
use the coveted Award emblem in our marketing materials definitely delivers a
competitive advantage.
We are now developing
export markets and have launched Baby nose-clear successfully in Ireland and New
Zealand. Further overseas launches are planned and the international recognition
that comes with being a Queen's Award winner is helping to accelerate our
growth.
Quite simply, winning the Queen's
Award was the best thing to happen to our business!
Business: Developer of patented
nasal aspirator
Location: Nottinghamshire
Employees:
3
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Aqualisa Products Limited
Aqualisa revolutionised the shower controls market in 2001 when
it launched the Quartz Digital electronic shower system. The product launched
showers into the electronic age and has since developed into a £15m per year
market. The business has been a leader in the UK shower market since the 1980's
and has always had a reputation for innovation and high performance products.
Aqualisa MD Harry Rawlinson comments:
"Winning the Queen's Award for Innovation at the first attempt is a marvellous
tribute to the creativity and ingenuity of the Aqualisa team. We see it as both
a mark of credibility with customers and a fitting compliment to our people who
came up with the ideas that won us the accolade."
The company has developed a marketing and export programme using
the recognition of the award as a key element. "When we introduce ourselves to
customers, it immediately marks us out as a serious player with whom they should
be working"
Business: Shower and bath controls manufacturer
Location: Kent
Employees: 280
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Air
Products PLC, Packaged Gases Group
Air
Products PLC won the Queen’s Award for designing and introducing the Integra®
cylinders and Maxx® gases used in a range of welding and cutting applications.
The new ergonomically designed cylinders are smaller, lighter and safer to
handle with the shielding gases reducing environmental emissions, while
improving process productivity and quality. Professor John Irven, Director of
Technology, says "Our people are passionate about developing products that meet
our customers’ needs and the worldwide recognition we have received through
winning the Queen’s Award in the Innovation category, not once, but twice, is
testament to their continued dedication.
Business: Gas cylinders for
supplying gases used in a range of welding and cutting applications
Location: Hampshire
Employees:
394
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Horizon Global Electronics
Ltd
Horizon Global Electronics Ltd was
established in 2001 as a specialist in the design and manufacture of hand held
test equipment for the digital satellite and TV sectors. The company has a
proven capability in developing innovative solutions for handheld meters which
are used for the easy alignment of digital satellite dishes and digital antenna
during installation. To date Horizon has developed meters which have been
designed and manufactured in the UK and used in over 58 countries around the
world. The company is now the leading player in the UK sector with strong export
sales and an important presence in the North American and Asian markets. Paul
Pickering, Managing Director, says "The award is a significant milestone for the
business. This will give us added credibility in the international arena and
will help open up new markets".
Business: design and manufacture
of hand held test equipment for the digital satellite and TV sectors
Location: Middlesex
Employees:
9
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International Paint Ltd
International Paint Ltd received an Award for Innovation in 2007,
for its efforts in developing Intersleek 700, a fouling-control coating for
ship's hulls and propellers. The coating is based on silicon elastomer
technology using no biocides and achieves two effects: it reduces the number of
marine organisms that stick to the underside of ships and facilitates the
removal of any that do. The coating also reduces the fuel consumption and carbon
dioxide emissions of vessels to which it is applied. The company has also
previously held the Queen's Award for its export achievement in 1967 and 1977
and for technology in 1981.
We have always
taken pride in ourselves on developing the best products we can for our
customers and Intersleet 700 not only provides benefits for our clients but also
the environment.
We were thrilled to receive
the Queen's Award for Innovation. It is perhaps the highest accolade a business
can receive and one we are proud to have said Jim Brown, Marketing Development
Manager.
Business: Paint manufacturer
Location:
Tyne and Wear
Employees: 4,500
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Balcan Engineering
Balcan Engineering Limited won its Award for the
development of recycling equipment for waste fluorescent lighting tubes. The new
equipment enables both whole and pre-crushed lamps to have their material
components – such as glass, aluminium, plastic and mercury-bearing phosphor
powder – separated and retrieved for recycling purposes. Crushed lamps have an
80% lower volume than whole lamps leading to a positive impact on the
environment in terms of reduced transportation vehicles and emissions.
"We are delighted to have received this prestigious Award," John
Rinfret, managing director of Balcan Engineering said. "Not only does it
highlight the concept and merit of our Waste Lamp Recycling Plant, but it has
given our staff considerable pride in their work. Many clients have been very
impressed with our achievement and have taken the opportunity to congratulate
us.
"This Award has resulted in our receiving considerable extra
publicity all over the UK and has ensured that potential customers have had to
give serious consideration to the use of our products and services.
"We
feel it's given us a strong edge over our competitors and the experience of
winning has certainly encouraged us to consider applying for another one!"
Business:
Safety products
Location: East Midlands
Employees: 16
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Tilsatec, a Division of Sirdar Spinning Ltd
For Tilsatec, a Division of Sirdar Spinning Ltd,
innovation is a way of life. The company won a Queen's Award in 2006 for the
development of a new method of feeding stainless steel into yarn, and then using
the reinforced yarn in the manufacture of textiles for clothing which protects
workers from injuries. In many companies industrial injuries to hands and arms
are the most significant causes of worker compensation payments.
The
clothing gives increased protection from cuts, and is more comfortable to wear
compared with competitor products. Both the yarn and the textile manufacturing
process are innovative.
"Tilsatec is a relatively new business within
Sirdar Spinning, so to win a Queen's Award is a great achievement that we are
all really proud of," said Sales and Marketing Director Michael Armstrong.
"The Award has made our customers sit up and take notice of us and has
certainly raised our profile within the sector. We now have regular contact with
larger customers that we wouldn't have been able to reach without the big
business credibility the Award has afforded us."
Business: Textiles
Location:
Yorkshire & Humber
Employees: 15
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Autotype
Autotype has
transformed itself over the last 20 years, changing from a traditional printing
materials supplier into a specialist in the development of coated films. It wins
the Award for the development of innovative hard coating technology which can be
moulded, saving manufacturer's money by cutting down on components and therefore
reducing tooling assembly costs.
"The biggest impact for us has been on
the people within the company," says In Mould Decoration Business Manager Tim
Wright. "We have had to change to survive. It was not just product innovation
but also driving culture change, and many people found it very difficult. By
winning a Queen's Award for Innovation in 1994, and another in 2005, staff see
that their struggle has been recognised as exceptional by an independent panel.
It really builds up team spirit and brings the company together.
"We
have also been subject to an acquisition since the Award was announced, and are
now owned by the American company MacDermid. This is good for the company, shows
that our growth potential has been recognised, and guarantees investment in
further innovation. Our ability to innovate was undoubtedly a factor in
MacDermid's decision to buy us, and our two Queen's Awards for Innovation are
clear evidence of our skills."
Business: coated film technology
Location: South
East
Employees:
280 in UK, 385 globally
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Carton
Edge Systems
Five years of continuous
innovation has led to the development of a novel system for creating and
applying serrated cutting edges to dispensers of kitchen foil and cling film,
and earns Carton Edge Systems of Coventry its first Queen's Award.
"For
a small business like ours of just two people, the credibility we gain from
having a Queen's Award cannot be underestimated," says Eddie Owen, Technical
Director. "It's a great leveller, with small businesses gaining the same Award
as multinationals, and our clients are very impressed.
"One prospective
customer in South Africa who we have been targeting for some time saw the
coverage in the trade magazines and contacted us to congratulate us. That makes
us even more hopeful of getting the contract.
"For new customers like
this, it shows that we truly are innovative, while for existing customers it
drives home the point that we are constantly improving and continuously
innovative. Suppliers recognise that too, and are pleased to be associated with
a company holding the Queen's Award.
"We've put the emblem on all our
stationery, and on a promotional video, which all drives home the credibility
message. That's what you need in business."
Business: serrated cutting edge
system
Location:
West Midlands
Employees: 2
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FilmLight
After just three years of trading, FilmLight receives the
Queen's Award for designing and developing a digital film scanner for the motion
picture industry. The scanner enables the transfer of images on celluloid film
to digital images with exceptional quality & stability.
"Ours is a
tough business and some UK companies have collapsed through no fault of their
own because of issues in the US, particularly after 9/11 when there was a big
cutback in film production and advertising. We're selling very expensive
equipment, and buyers need to know we'll still be around in five years. It's a
big boost to have the third-party endorsement of the Queen's Award, which shows
that we as a company are reliable," says Steve Chapman, Director.
"The
same is true in the UK, and not just for sales. For example, we're currently
negotiating moving to larger premises in Soho, Central London, where commercial
leases are very hard to come by. The Award is undoubtedly very useful in
endorsing our business.
"With our suppliers too, the Award is very
helpful in cementing relationships. We're a small company and put a lot of work
out to other small companies. The presentation was our chance to say a big thank
you to them.
"It also makes us more attractive as an employer. We've
created 14 more jobs since winning the Award."
Business: digital film scanning
equipment
Location: London
Employees: 30
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Martek Marine
Martek
Marine is very proud to have won a double Queen's Award on the first time of
entering. The Rotherham company manufactures safety and environmental monitoring
systems for ships and has only been trading since 2000. It won the Innovation
Award for designing a water ingress detection system, and the International
Trade Award for increasing annual overseas earnings from £250,000 to £3 million
in just three years.
"Since the Awards we have launched a new premium
product and having the Queen's Award separated us out as a leading supplier,
justifying the premium price," says Paul Luen, Managing Director.
"We
were amazed at how many people contacted us following all the publicity we
received, including new business partners, who saw the news articles and got in
touch."
"It has also been great for staff morale, and will really
improve the standard and quantity of applicants when we advertise new jobs."
Business:
safety and environmental monitoring systems for ships
Location: Yorkshire and
Humberside
Employees: 17
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Safeglass
(Europe)
Just three people worked at
Safeglass (Europe) as the company developed an innovative polymer alternative to
glass. Now it has eight staff and has moved to larger premises in Glasgow.
The company won a Queen's Award for Innovation for developing a polymer
that has the appearance and many of the properties of glass, but does not cause
injury when broken. It is primarily used in the housings to emergency hammers on
trains but has other applications in glassware and bottles.
"Our
products so far have been unique in the market, but we are launching a range of
glass products for the pub and club market in the autumn where we will be
competing against many other companies. Having the Queen's Award will really
help us to stand out and make sure we are on the shortlist. We can also use it
in our publicity around the launch," says Avril McNeill, Sales & Marketing
Manager.
"It's a sign of quality, and definitely helps when we don't
know the customer or supplier. We've already had quite a few enquiries from
overseas asking if we had agents in those countries. These leads have come
through the work of the embassies in promoting Queen's Awards winners, and we're
hopeful this will be very helpful as we expand our exports.
Business: polymer manufacturer
Location:
Scotland
Employees: 8
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ScotAsh
Formed in 1999, ScotAsh wins the Award for the design,
construction and operation of a facility to turn ash produced by coal-fired
power stations into useable raw building materials. The innovation both reduces
the cost of waste disposal and lowers its significant environmental impact.
"The Award has really elevated our profile," says Managing Director
Peter Quinn. "We are a small joint venture between two relative giants -
Scottish Power plc and Lafarge Cement UK. We are now well acknowledged by both
parents, and it has made it much easier to get things done. Both are using our
achievement in their PR - they like to be associated with our success.
"Regulators too, are taking more notice. It can be difficult to get them
on side but the Award has opened the door for us and they are now consulting us
more.
"Lastly, I think an immense benefit has been the pride felt by the
workforce. There has been a buzz about the place for several months, and a lot
of excitement. Every day staff and visitors see the flag as they come in, and
the certificate and bowl in reception. It puts a big smile on their faces."
Business:
production building materials from ash
Location: Scotland
Employees: 23
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The Training
Foundation
Coventry-based The Training
Foundation won the Queen's Award for Innovation for the continuous development
of the Trainer Assessment Programme (TAP), a structured approach to improving
training skills based on international competency standards.
"The Award
highlights the importance of training and training skills, and validates our
approach to training," says Operations Director Adrian Snook. "We are finding
that the volume and seniority of the people we are speaking to have both
increased since we won the Award. We've taken on two new business development
managers to cope with the extra work.
"Many of the top 250 UK companies
are now using only trainers qualified to TAP standard. They are proud to be
associated with the Award, and it makes them feel that their investment in
training is even more worthwhile.
"In fact, we've just announced a
partnership with the Financial Services Sector Skills Council. Its Accreditation
Manager has publicly stated that the decision to work with us was based on our
outstanding track record, reaffirmed by the Queen's Award. That says it all
really."
Business: training
Location: West Midlands
Employees: 33
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