Midlands companies honoured for innovation

Six Midlands companies have been named as finalists for the Rowan Best Business Innovation Awards 2007, the region's only award dedicated to bringing innovations to commercial success.

Entries flooded in from a wide range of industries and the finalists came from across the East and West Midlands.

The six finalists are as follows.

Wile Limited of Melton Mowbray was set up in 2005 after accountant Rob Warner noticed a need for a time-saving solution to deliver targeted, narrated information, to busy, commuting professionals.

He teamed up with IT consultant Rob Langley to create the WilePlayer, which delivers narrated information to mobile phone users.

The proprietary technology behind the WilePlayer is unique and allows users to receive and interact with specially selected audio feeds via mobile phones.

Users can receive newsletters, industry publications, live events and conference presentations.

Langer UK of Cheadle, Staffs has designed and now supplies diabetic footwear used to help reduce ulceration for diabetes sufferers.

Laplock Technology in Coventry has developed a compact USB plug-in security device designed to deter any attempt to steal laptops or their data.

LED Trucklights of Coalville has developed an innovative new lighting system for trucks, trailers and other commercial vehicles.

Green Innovations of Solihull has developed an "Easybleed" device for radiators - a push button bleed valve operated simply by turning the cap and pushing a button (to prevent accidental operation by children).

Derby-based HL's Director Hannah Lobley has developed a unique recycling technique for the printed pages of unwanted books and paper, turning them into a solid 'wood-like' material that can be used to create sculptural objects with traditional wood-working methods.

The six finalists will present to a distinguished panel of judges chaired by Rowan MD Chris Rattigan and including Chris Clifford, the CBI's Regional Director for the West Midlands, Norman Price OBE, representing Advantage West Midlands, John Kelly from Begbies Traynor and Ellen Campbell, Deputy Editor of the Birmingham Post.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony to be held on Monday 2 July.

Now in its second year, the Rowan Best Business Innovation Award has been pioneered by sales and marketing specialists the Rowan Group.

It has gained widespread support in the region after an exciting first year.

"Shortlisting was very tough this year in view of the calibre of entries," said Chris Rattigan, Chair of the judging panel.

"But we have six excellent finalists with a wide range of ideas for us to evaluate.

"We introduced the Rowan Best Business Innovation Awards in order to recognise and reward the significant contribution that new and innovative thinking makes to the vibrancy of the Midlands economy.

"We see so many companies with great products and innovative ideas, but without the expertise or resources to make them truly successful.

"That's why Rowan decided to run this award - to celebrate Midlands innovation and to be able to give at least three companies each year the practical help they need to achieve commercial success".

Back to top