Member Article

World first solar generator wins export prize

A Solihull based firm have won the West Midlands’ Export for Growth prize for developing the world’s first ‘plug and play’ electric solar generator.

Aceon Battery Solar Technoloy Ltd will now benefit from £5,000 worth of support and advice from UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), PwC and HSBC to help boost worldwide sales.

The firm’s technology enables users to access free electricity on the go, as well as powering low energy homes lighting and electronic devices.

Managing Director, Mark Thompson gave his reaction to the company having the best export idea in the West Midlands: “We are absolutely delighted to win such a prestigious award against some very good companies.

“Our SolarSDS is a product with a worldwide market and with the help from UKTI we can and will be an international company.

“A big thank you to all the judges for selecting us - now the fun starts after two years of developing!”

Runner-ups in the competition include Shropshire’s Green Roof Tile Company Ltd and EnDet Ltd, who will both receive grants and support towards targeting international markets.

GRTCL manufactures and produces Envirotile, the sustainable roof tile manufactured using 75% re-processed polypropylene polymer. The company is also working on tiles that can be used in different international climates

Director Trevor Wakefield, said: “It was a great achievement receiving the runners up award - the competition from other companies was outstanding, proving that the UK is still a great leader in new ideas and innovative design.

“The award will help us in our mission to solve roofing problems and the contribution by UKTI will be invaluable in pursuing our international trade strategy.”

EnDet Ltd gained a runner-up place for its probe for sampling natural gas Worldwide, providing fast, accurate and environmentally friendly natural gas sampling.

Tom Knight of EnDet said: “We feel very honoured to have been chosen to receive third prize in such a prestigious award and amongst such strong competition.

“We look forward to working with UKTI more closely over the coming months to launch our products globally.”

Finalists went head-to-head as they pitched their export idea to a panel of judges made up of representatives from UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), PwC, HSBC and independent specialists as well as an audience of delegates from the Chambers of Commerce, the Manufacturing Advisory Service, universities, legal firms, training companies and translators.

Christine Hamilton, Acting Deputy Regional Director for UK Trade & Investment West Midlands says: “The calibre of firms who presented their ideas has been excellent and I’d like to offer my congratulations to all of them.

“However, Aceon Solar stood out not only because of its innovative product, but also because it had thought about how the product could be applied in specific areas going forward.

“The company had also thoroughly thought through the issues of exporting to the markets they wish to target.

“We are looking forward to working with Aceon to help the company succeed. Exporting is crucial for firms to sustain their business and grow, which is why we urge all West Midlands companies to take advantage of the range of support and opportunities available.”

Mark Smith, regional chairman at PwC in the Midlands said: “West Midlands SMEs are particularly strong in exporting and are reaping all the rewards that come with it.

“These finalists represent the next generation of successful SME exporters and we’ve been really impressed with the energy and enthusiasm they have shown to the judging panel.

“We are really looking forward to working with Aceon Solar as it embarks on its own export challenge and hope its story will inspire other SMEs to take the leap into export.”

Roy Harris, HSBC’s Regional Commercial Director for the Midlands added: “At HSBC we forecast that UK international trade will grow by 60% over the next 15 years, so it is encouraging to see such strong West Midlands businesses here today, positioning themselves to grow by taking advantage of international and export opportunities.

“We have seen some exciting and innovative businesses from a diverse, creative and economically vibrant region. Congratulations to Aceon Solar and we look forward to seeing the company grow in the years to come.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .