Promethean and NSL take top Lord Stafford awards
Over 250 people packed into the Epic Centre in Lincolnshire to see Promethean Particles (supported by University of Nottingham) and Nottingham Scientific Ltd (backed by De Montfort University) capture the 'Innovation Achieved' and 'Innovation in Development' titles respectively.
The businesses were praised by judges for taking complex technology and transforming it into commercial enterprises that will create wealth and jobs in the East Midlands.
They also highlighted the impact both products could have on the global marketplace and the recognition this will provide for the two universities.
Lord Stafford, who launched the initiative in Staffordshire in 1997, was delighted with the quality of competition.
"The awards are the only ones in the UK dedicated to celebrating innovative collaborations between businesses and universities and Nottingham has certainly secured the plaudits this year. Nottingham Scientific and Promethean have shown what can be achieved when they combine their own skills and expertise with those of academia to secure commercial gains for both parties.
"The winners will receive a £5,000 cheque and a trophy from Ceramic Decals, not to mention promotional videos that will help them when marketing their products and services going forward."
The third and final winner on the evening was social enterprise Hill Holt Wood from Lincolnshire, who walked off with the 'Innovation in Sustainability' Award.
There were also highly commended awards for Blue Planet Buildings, Camira Fabrics, Monica Healthcare, Topping Chair and Trent Concrete.
Lord Stafford concluded: "Innovation is now more important than ever and I personally feel is one of the best ways of ensuring the region emerges from the downturn in a stronger position than ever before."
The awards, backed by the East Midlands Development Agency (Emda), Manufacturing Advisory Service and the East Midlands Universities' Association, were hosted by BBC Working Lunch presenter Rob Pittam and featured a keynote address from PY Gerbeau, chief executive of X-Scape and former head of the Millennium Dome.
David Wallace, international and innovation director at Emda, said: "We recognise that East Midlands' universities have a key role to play in driving forward innovation and this is why we support the Lord Stafford Awards, which bring entrepreneurs and academics together.
"Our winners and nominees have demonstrated that this collaboration can be creative, innovative and profitable – helping companies across the East Midlands to grow and thrive in what are difficult times."
Other sponsors included Ceramic Decals, CFE Ltd, Clever Cherry, Connect Midlands, Enterprise Europe Network and Swindell and Pearson.
Next year's competition will be launched in January and companies can find out more by visiting www.thelordstaffordawards.co.uk or keep checking the Lord Stafford Awards Facebook and Twitter pages for updates.
richard.baker@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk
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