Here is the definitive electronics angle on The Queen's Awards for Enterprise and Innovation, the winners of which for 2009 have just been announced. For the full definitive (electronics-related) list of winners see below.
See also: RF Engines wins a Queen's Award for innovation
See also: Forge Europa wins Queen's Award for LED products
Finally, further down, see our coverage of previous years' Queen's Awards
The Queen's Awards 2009
Enterprise
"Her Majesty the Queen has been graciously pleased to confer Her Awards in 2009 upon the following business units in recognition of their outstanding achievements in International Trade":
ATB Morley
Leeds
http://www.atb-motors.com
ATB Morley Ltd design and manufacture electric motors with outputs up to 2000kW for global niche markets, in particular for the global underground coal mining market but also for defence, power generation, chemical and water industries. It is winning this award for the first time for doubling direct overseas revenues to £8m per annum, selling over 50% of its products for direct export. A total of 80% of its output is ultimately destined for overseas destinations, half going to China and also to Australia, Russia and USA. The outstanding success has been achieved through its strong reputation in the mining industry and rigorously pursuing the world developing underground coal mining markets and other niche markets. This strategy has won direct exports totalling £18m over three years creating 33 more jobs.
Axell Wireless
Buckinghamshire
http://www.axellwireless.com
Axell Wireless is a market leading worldwide developer and manufacturer of wireless coverage equipment covering cellular, public safety and defence applications and for all types of environments. These range from large infrastructure buildings such as airports and stadiums, to road and railway tunnels, to remote rural environments and to transportation systems including trains and aeroplanes. Having established a substantial international presence across all continents Axell is winning this award for more than doubling its export sales in 3 years to over £16m pa and over £33m in the period and now account for approx 70% of the total. This outstanding success has been achieved through a combination of technological innovation in its products and an impressive marketing effort through its regional offices collaborating with local channel partners.
BGB Engineering
Lincolnshire
http://www.bgbinnovation.com
BGB Engineering Ltd designs and manufactures electrical slip ring assemblies and lightning protection for rotary applications, underwater lighting and camera solutions, and wireless Ethernet bridge systems for the transmission of high speed data or video links. The slip ring systems in particular have wide ranging applications within wind turbine technology. It is winning the Award for the first time for increasing its export earnings by 126% over three years to nearly £12 million per annum. This success has been achieved with a focus to supply sustainable markets, through continual product and process innovation, the use of market focussed technical agents and marketing activity with an effective enquiry generating website at its core.
Cambridge Consultants
Cambridge
http://www.cambridgeconsultants.com
Cambridge Consultants Limited commenced trading in 1960. It offers contract design and product development services, including exploitation of intellectual property, aimed at producing outstanding innovative business solutions. It wins the Award for the first time for raising overseas earnings by well over a half to an aggregate of £50m over three years. A well developed marketing strategy is based on a US office combined with a regularly updated website, highly skilled personnel, active participation in trade missions and events. There is a good spread of clients in 29 countries with USA currently the major market. New business is being pursued in Asia.
Daniels Fans Limited
Llanelli
http://www.danielsfans.ltd.uk
Daniels Fans Limited, a family owned business, started trading in 1977. It manufactures quality high temperature industrial fans (up to 1200 degrees C). It won the Award in 2004. Market coverage is widespread, with North America, Australia, Italy, France and Poland accounting for over 70% of export sales. There are relatively few customers in any given country and they are catered for by direct selling. Overseas sales increased by an impressive 120% since 2006, equating to nearly £1½m of exports. By 2008, exports accounted for over 90% of total sales.
Domo
Hampshire
http://www.domo.co.uk
Domo Limited, which began trading as Cobham Surveillance this year, was formed in 2003 and develops highly specialised digital wireless communications solutions for law enforcement and national security agencies. Agencies need sophisticated technology to enable them to communicate in noisy and challenging communication environments, but they also need solutions that are simple and robust for field personnel to operate in stressful environments. Over the last three years the business has tripled its exports, with overseas sales growing to more than 80% revenue, with the USA accounting for over 40%. Growth has been achieved through a well focused marketing strategy with an emphasis on multi-language proficiency and high levels of technical and after-sales service. Recognising that lives and livelihoods are often at risk, the most important thing Cobham builds is trust.
ETL Systems
Herefordshire
http://www.etlsystems.com
ETL Systems Ltd design and manufacture radio frequency (RF) electronic equipment used by broadcasters, telecoms companies, satellite operators and governments for satellite communications. It is winning the Award for the second time for its outstanding success in increasing its export earnings by 132% in three years to nearly £3 million per annum. This has been achieved with clever marketing, innovative products, a good range of export promotional activities and strong customer support. Fifteen more jobs have been created over the period.
FarSite Communications
Hampshire
http://www.farsite.com
FarSite Communications is a UK company founded in 1998 providing data and voice communications products and services aimed at business to business applications. Products include PCI and USB communications cards for DAB, VOIP and legacy markets complemented by Gateways for connecting legacy systems over the Internet. A communications oriented bespoke development service is also available. Products are developed in the company's UK and China offices. A first-time winner of the Award for more than doubling exports over the past three years and now selling the majority of its output overseas. Over 40 countries are supplied with the major export markets being 50% USA, 10% China, 10% Germany. The company has a well focused internet led marketing strategy with a strong emphasis on high quality technical and after-sales support.
Fianium
Southampton
http://www.fianium.com
Fianium Ltd manufactures ultrafast fibre lasers for use in sectors ranging from laser materials processing to biomedical imaging, defence research and scientific study. It is winning the Award for the first time for more than trebling its overseas revenues in three years and exporting over 86% of its production. This outstanding success has been achieved by exploiting its innovative technology using a well trained multilingual workforce, clever pricing, overseas sales offices, product flexibility and providing a high level of technical support. Over 20 new markets have been established over the period and the workforce has more than doubled.
Flexiguide
Devon
http://www.flexiguide.com
Flexiguide Ltd is a manufacturer of flexible waveguides for use in communication and radar systems. Winning the Award for the first time for doubling its overseas revenues Flexiguide now exports nearly 90% of its production to 38 countries worldwide. This outstanding success has been achieved by direct sales to major blue chip customers as well as indirect sales through a global network of overseas agents. Agents are trained and provided with day to day technical help from the UK head office and supported in-country by the company's participation in overseas trade fairs, an online reference library and frequent visits by UK based staff. Dedication to customer service and value has helped to establish a reputation for being the supplier of choice in a global market that demands world class products.
HVR International
Tyne & Wear
http://www.hvrint.com
HVR International Ltd manufactures high surge energy ceramic carbon disc rod and tube resistors, resistor assemblies and RFI suppression resistors, which are used in a wide variety of electrical applications, such as transmission, traction, wind turbine braking and renewable energy. It is winning the Award for the first time for increasing its export earnings by more than 80% over three years to £5.6m per annum. Its success is grounded on expanding the range and variety of applications for its resistors in new markets worldwide, and marketing them with vigour, so much so that nearly all its products are exported, and 22 new jobs have been created.
M & I Materials
Manchester
In 1993, M&I Materials Limited started the progression from a small company within a division of GEC Alstom into the privately owned and immensely successful manufacturing enterprise that thrives today. Dedicated to developing specialist materials for industry and science, M&I Materials Limited is the driving force behind an impressive portfolio of brands including APIEZON high vacuum sealants and lubricants, METROSIL silicon carbide based varistors, MIDEL transformer fluids, and WOLFMET tungsten heavy alloys. Over the last 6 years M&I Materials Limited has gone from strength to strength, consistently delivering high quality products and services and trebling export turnover. At the end of 2008 the company was shipping to 55 countries around the globe and is currently working on new opportunities to continue to build on the successes to date.
Mantracourt Electronics
Devon
http://www.mantracourt.co.uk
Mantracourt Electronics Ltd designs and manufactures a range of microelectronics for industrial measurement applications. It is winning the Award for the first time for increasing its overseas revenue by 69% to £2.4 million per annum and selling 66% of its products to 20 countries. This success has been achieved by marketing its products through distributors, sensor manufacturers, original equipment manufacturers and system integrators, using its sophisticated website as a key marketing tool. It prides itself on its capabilities to design and manufacture from the initial concept to the finished product and then on to installation support.
Meech International
Oxfordshire
http://www.meech.com
Meech International designs, manufacturers and supplies specialist industrial high voltage equipment for the control of electrostatic charges (static electricity) in industrial processes, and to control associated duct contamination. It is winning the Award for the first time for doubling its exports over six years of continuous growth, an outstanding achievement. It derives 70% of its sales from more than 45 countries overseas, deploying vigorous marketing techniques in support of its subsidiary operations and its network of specialised distributors.
Orange Music Electronic Company
Hertfordshire
http://www.orangeamps.com
Orange Music Electronic Company Ltd designs, manufactures and distributes electronic musical instrument applications and speaker enclosures. It is winning the Award for the second time for more than doubling its export earnings over three years and for selling nearly 80% of its products to over 50 countries worldwide. Its impressive marketing efforts are enhanced by its amplifiers being used by some of the most famous names in popular music, like Led Zeppelin, Stevie Wonder, the Kaiser Chiefs, Oasis, Madonna and Prince.
Ovation Systems
Oxfordshire
http://www.ovation.co.uk
Ovation Systems Ltd designs and manufactures advanced video surveillance equipment used by police and military law enforcement agencies. It is winning the Award for the first time for more than quadrupling its export earnings over six years of continuous growth and selling 60% of its equipment to some 35 countries overseas. This outstanding success has been achieved through innovation and product development and through a strong customer focus, utilising a network of resellers and integration partners, and a variety of export promotional activities
PPI Engineering
Norfolk
http://www.ppi-engineering.com
PPI Engineering commenced trading in 2005. The business is a specialist provider of products and services for purchasers and users of large rotating electric motors and generators. The products offered include product design and specification, equipment supply and site support (including installation, commissioning and condition monitoring) The company has won the award for the first time as a result of a seven-fold increase in overseas earnings to an aggregate of £3.4m over three years. A well rounded marketing strategy is pursued by active participation on trade missions and industry events, use of local agents or representatives, extensive use of the internet and strong emphasis on the linguistic proficiency of the staff. Clients include Rolls-Royce, CGE, The BGT Group, and Nordic Windpower. The USA and the Middle East are the leading markets.
Plextek
Essex
http://www.plextek.co.uk
Plextek Ltd commenced trading in 1989 and offers innovative design and supply services for complex communications systems and devices. Users include technology start-ups, government bodies and engineering conglomerates. Other services include strategic consulting, product and concept design, introduction to manufacturing and full contract manufacturing. The company wins the Award for the first time for nearly trebling exports over three years to an aggregate of £48m. A well focused marketing strategy is based on agents in core markets supported by active participation in trade events and regular visits, coupled with a comprehensive website. Major customers include US based LoJack Corp. and their UK licensee TRACKER Network Ltd., leaders in stolen vehicle recovery, through whom Plextek have displaced Motorola as sole supplier of their in-car units. It also wins the Award for Innovation.
Point Source
Southampton
http://www.point-source.com
Point Source is a manufacturer of lasers and fibre-optics for high precision instrumentation. It is winning the Award for the second time having successfully increased its overseas revenues by 86% in three years to over £14 million per annum, and selling virtually all of its production to a widespread of markets overseas. Product innovation, a two-tier marketing approach, appointing key account managers for major customers, and making direct sales, have all been crucial to this success. An impressive total of £33 million of exports over the three year period and 15 more jobs have been created, all adding to this outstanding achievement.
Pulsar Process Measurement
Worcestershire
http://www.pulsar-pm.com
Pulsar Process Measurement Ltd is a designer and manufacturer of non-contacting ultrasonic devices for the measurement and control of level and flow. These devices are used in a variety of ways in such as the water and wastewater, chemicals, food and quarrying industries. Pulsar is winning the Award for the first time for its success in increasing its overseas revenues by 144%, to £2.6 million per annum, over six years of continuous growth and it is now exporting 56% of its production. This outstanding achievement results from product innovation, R&D, and the support provided for sales through a US subsidiary and a network of distributors to over 40 countries worldwide.
RMS
North Yorkshire
http://www.rmsltd.com
RMS Limited manufactures high power electrical connectors for the oil and gas industries, specifically wellhead and packer penetrators for use with electrical submersible pump (ESP) technologies and wet mateable connectors for subsea applications. It is winning the Award for the first time for virtually doubling its overseas revenue over the past three years and exporting over 75% of its production. Aiming to globalise its brand, the company has expanded its international sales team and is growing into new geographical markets, focusing on providing cost effective products of exceptional quality and reliability backed up by responsive customer support. Through a commitment to continually developing innovative products, the company has been successful in developing a range of products to suit different international markets which has also contributed to the growth internationally.
SMI - LabHut
Gloucestershire
SMI-LabHut Ltd supplies automatic sampling devices, glassware and accessories for chromatography and dissolution applications used in the pharmaceutical, chemical and biological sciences. It is winning the award for the first time for its success in achieving continuous growth of 154% over 6 years to record revenues of £3m p.a. of which over 80% was attributed to overseas sales. The 7 strong team, led by Mark and Sheila Wardle achieved this success as a result of a carefully devised marketing strategy with specific targets, a sophisticated website and a flexible and supportive approach to its distributors, resulting is sales in over 90 countries.
Sprint Electric
West Sussex
http://www.sprint-electric.com
Sprint Electric Ltd. manufactures variable speed thyristor drives for precise control of industrial DC electric motors. It is winning the award for the first time for nearly doubling its export earnings over six years of continuous growth and for selling 75% of its product overseas. This success has been achieved using both well trained distributors and direct sales, offering same day delivery from stock and prompt technical support. Sales have been made to a wide spread of overseas markets, creating a loyal and varied customer base. New markets are now being targeted in Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
Stage Technologies
London
http://www.stagetech.com
Stage Technologies provides engineering solutions to the entertainment industry using a blend of mechanical, electrical, electronic and software expertise. Its products are available for sale or hire, primarily for theatre and live events. It is recognised as a world leader, having showcased state-of-the-art technology with productions including 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang', 'Mary Poppins' and Cirque du Soleil spectaculars. It also provides equipment to multipurpose venues, opera houses, film studios and cruise ships. It is winning the Award a second time for increasing its overseas revenue by 84% in three years to over £11m per annum in 2007/8, and by making over 80% of its sales overseas. With exports continuing to increase, totalling £24 million over three years, and 40% more jobs created in the UK alone, this an outstanding achievement.
Topaz Electronic Systems - thINKtank UK
Lincolnshire
http://www.thinktankuk.com
Topaz Electronic Systems Ltd t/a thINKtank UK commenced trading in 2002. It designs and produces replacement electronic chips and resetting equipment enabling disposable printer cartridges to be refilled and reused. A unique feature of the company's electronic chips, which are retro-fitted onto spent cartridges, is that they can themselves be re-used. The company wins the Award for the first time for more than quadrupling exports over the past six years. A wide spread of overseas markets are supplied with USA currently accounting for over 60% of exports. A high level of technical support is available to customers in this environmentally important field.
Trilogy Communications
Hampshire
http://www.trilogycomms.com
Trilogy Communications Ltd designs, manufactures and sells audio communications equipment and is winning the Queen's Award for Enterprise for the first time. It supplies interoperable communications technology for the defence, emergency management and commercial and industrial sectors and high quality intercom systems to the broadcast and professional media markets. Its outstanding achievement was to increase its export earnings by 84% to £4.4 million per annum, to sell nearly 80% of its production to some 70 countries worldwide, and to create 20 more jobs in three years. This success is grounded on significant investment in high quality employees, new tooling, processes and new company infrastructure.
Innovation
"Her Majesty the Queen has been graciously pleased to confer Her Awards in 2009 upon the following business units in recognition of their outstanding achievements in Innovation":
Aerelink
Merseyside
http://www.aerelink.com
An Award is made to Aerelink Limited for continuous innovation and development in the design and delivery of bespoke wireless solutions. Mainly for public sector clients, the solutions have included networks for distributing real-time traffic information to, for example, public screens, mobile phones and control centres, automatic vehicle license recognition systems and equipment to enhance internet access in schools. In addition to this work, Aerelink also provides specialist engineering resources to the telecommunications industry. Through its specialised knowledge of communications technology, the company has delivered high quality solutions and services at competitive prices and consequently its turnover has grown strongly in the past five years.
Apical
London
http://www.apical.co.uk
An Innovation Award is made to Apical Limited for developing iridix, a technology for improving the performance of camera and display products. iridix IP cores and software libraries enable digital imaging devices to produce higher quality images, based on algorithms derived from research into human vision. Cameras using iridix are able to take more natural pictures automatically over a wider range of scenes, while displays deliver a more vivid experience even under difficult viewing conditions or when in low-power mode. 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.
CGC Technology
Surrey
http://www.cgc-space.com
CGC Technology Ltd wins an Innovation Award for the design and manufacture of energy efficient robust antennae for tracking satellites in low earth orbit. They can be utilised in extreme environmental conditions and can be powered by only a single phase low current supply. Relative to competitive products, the antenna systems contain fewer components resulting in considerably lower capital costs. In response to customer requirements the product has been continuously refined since its inception in 2001 and a range of sizes and subsystems are available. Ongoing development of these products ensures that they remain at the forefront of technology leading to continued growth in the global marketplace.
Oliver Crispin Robotics - OC Robotics
Bristol
http://www.ocrobotics.com
OC Robotics wins an Innovation Award for designing and developing the snake-arm robot. The robot has a flexible, linear arm with many short segments controlled individually by wires running along the length of the arm. The control system, comprising computer, joystick and motor, orients the segments in three dimensions, thus enabling the arm to "follow its nose" into complex or restricted spaces by changing the curvature and plane of curvature of segment groups. The operator uses the joystick to manipulate the tip of the arm. The robot can position significant payloads with high precision. It has been developed for, for example, aircraft assembly, security applications, nuclear remote handling and industrial inspection and maintenance.
Forge Europa Limited
Cumbria
http://www.forge-europa.co.uk
An Innovation Award is made to Forge Europa Limited for the design and manufacture of LED displays, assemblies and lighting solutions. Having identified the emerging market for solid state lighting products, in 2004 the company invested in capability, including technical staff and laboratories, to supply customised LED lighting. This has inherent benefits of low energy consumption, long life, compactness and high controllability. Thermal management techniques were developed to optimise light output efficiency and colour consistency and intensity. Successful developments include traffic signals, passenger information displays, street lighting, marine lighting, portable floodlighting and vehicle lighting. Since the investment the company has enjoyed increasing commercial success.
Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems (UK)
Wiltshire
http://www.knorr-bremse.co.uk
For developing the EP2002 brake control valve, Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems (UK) Limited wins an Innovation Award. The valves provide modular 'intelligent', distributed systems with combined electronic and mechanical components for controlling the brakes of metro trains. Two valves are mounted on each carriage of a train and connected to other carriages through a data bus which, in response to a number of variables, including passenger weight distribution, optimises braking performance. Relative to its predecessors, the new system, which is protected by five patents, is safer, lighter, cheaper and easier to install and maintain.
McLaren Electronic Systems
Surrey
http://www.mclarenelectronics.com
For designing and producing a standard Electronic Control Unit (ECU) for Formula One racing cars, McLaren Electronic Systems Ltd wins an Innovation Award. The ECU was developed in response to an international agreement that all Formula One cars must use a standard ECU. The complex unit, which can interface with the mechanical systems of the variety of Formula One cars, includes embedded control software for use by each competitor. Its purpose is to enable competitors to use a common infrastructure for tuning the performance of cars and thus to concentrate on speed and fuel efficiency. The product has lowered costs for Formula One teams and put more emphasis on drivers' and mechanics' skills.
Pace
West Yorkshire
http://www.pace.com
For developing set-top boxes for the reception of high definition (HD) Television programmes, Pace Plc wins an Innovation Award. Compared with first generation digital television, handling HD signals requires higher power, more intelligent software and faster processing. The company invested in new technology to become the first to win a contract to bring HD television to USA pay channels in 2002. Further technical challenges were overcome to meet the new silicon and data compression standards required of HD television in Europe. This enabled the company to launch the first HD set-top boxes to the European market in time for the 2006 FIFA World Cup and go on to win significant new business around the world.
Plextek
Essex
http://www.plextek.co.uk
An Award is made to Plextek Ltd for the continuous development of communication systems, particularly wireless networks, Ultra Narrow Band (UNB) radio devices and novel radar technology. A low power transmitter system enabling communications between military vehicles in convoys, with minimum risk of enemy detection, was designed for the Ministry of Defence. Wireless domestic meter readers, incorporating UNB technology and having battery life of ten years, were developed for domestic gas and electricity suppliers. Similar systems were developed to monitor hospital cardiac patients, for controlling street lighting and for stolen vehicle recovery. The Blighter family of portable and fixed radar systems can detect an individual up to ten kilometres away using electronic scanning and is being deployed by military personnel. It also wins the Award for International Trade.
Possum Limited
Buckinghamshire
http://www.possum.co.uk
For the design and supply of electronic devices to assist disabled persons, Possum Limited wins an Award. The devices, which incorporate units for controlling household items via infra-red or radio signals, empower individuals with physical disabilities, for example, to answer telephones, use intercoms, open curtains and adjust television sets. The control units include touch screens displaying activation options or can be operated by specialised input switches. Depending on the capabilities of the users, the switches can be activated by various means including moving a hand, elbow or foot, or puffing into a mouth-piece. The devices, which are easy to use without being pointed at target items and have attractive appearances, are giving independence to increasing numbers of disabled people.
Powertraveller
Hampshire
http://www.powertraveller.com
Powertraveller Ltd wins an Award for the continuous development of a range of portable power devices and battery chargers. The products support the use of portable electronic equipment such as laptop computers, mobile phones, iPods and digital cameras. There are six models with different power capacities. At the lower end, mobile phones can be topped up with 48 hours of additional power, whilst, at the top of the range, laptop computers can be recharged either from a portable charger or from solar panel units. The products, which are designed for professional as well as leisure travellers and supplied with interchangeable connections for popular digital devices, are versatile, compact, light weight and robust.
RF Engines Ltd
Isle of Wight
http://www.rfel.com
RF Engines Ltd (RFEL) wins an Award for innovative electronic designs that are used to programme specialised semiconductor 'chips'. These are then incorporated into products and electronic systems. Using their patented technologies, the company continues to develop state-of-the-art digital signal processing techniques that programme the latest semiconductor (Field Programmable Gate Array) 'chips' that possess enormous computing power. These programmed 'chips' have a variety of applications, and are embedded in the design of efficient wireless communication (satellite and terrestrial) networks, and in systems to detect signals from fast moving missiles or other military targets. The 'chips' programmed by RFEL are incorporated into an increasing number of RFEL's own products as well as their customers products, all of which are benefiting from quick and accurate signal detection, low power usage and compactness.
Renishaw
Gloucestershire
http://www.renishaw.com
For developing the OMP400 spindle probe, a strain gauge sensor incorporated into Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machine tools, Renishaw plc wins an Innovation Award. During manufacturing processes, the sensor identifies the shapes of objects being machined to ensure operations are correctly carried out. Previous strain gauge sensors, being fragile and bulky, were limited in application. The new product, the smallest strain gauge spindle probe in the world, incorporates patented technologies involving miniaturised computer hardware, re-designed strain sensitive webs and advanced algorithms. Its performance is significantly superior to previous products, giving accuracies to within one micron, having longer life and being easier to use.
Sondrel
Berkshire
An Award is made to Sondrel Ltd for the continuous development of an electronic integrated circuits (IC) design service. Operating at the cutting edge of IC design requires responding to fast-changing processes incorporating increasingly complex physics, smaller switches, approaching atomic size, and reducing power consumption. In response, the company developed a new, flexible design methodology for estimating costs and timings of projects and a software environment allowing switching between third party tools for optimum results and incorporating debug and management facilities for efficient implementation. The commercially successful innovation is reducing the time to market of IC products and improving design success rate.
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Cambridge
For developing a new pollutant measuring instrument, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Cambridge, UK) wins an Innovation Award. The instrument, an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES), detects and analyses low levels of toxic or pollutant elements in a range of samples. Its main application is in the environmental, metallurgical, petrochemical and food safety industries, where product safety, quality and integrity are essential. Compared with alternatives, the new instrument is simpler and cheaper to manufacture, and, in line with customer specifications, more reliable, lighter and smaller. It has captured a significant share of the market.
Tracerco
Cleveland
http://www.tracerco.com
An Award is made to Tracerco for the development of a range of portable radiation monitoring instruments. The instruments, for which patents are pending, were designed for safe utilisation in hazardous environments, particularly those having flammable and explosive atmospheres. They detect low levels of many radioactive materials. The range includes the Radiation Contamination Monitor, which quantifies levels of radio-nuclides in the atmosphere, the Radiation Doserate Monitor, which measures radiation and, simultaneously, alerts operators of dangerous dose levels through preset audible alarms, and the Mud Monitor, which confirm the integrity of radioactive sources during drilling operations in the oil and gas industries. The innovations are improving safety, efficiency and costs in companies and organisations all over the world.
West Energy Saving Technologies
Nottingham
http://www.westenergy.co.uk
West Energy Saving Technologies Ltd (a small Nottingham based company) wins an Award for the continuous development of 'Ventmiser CMSM' automatic ventilation controllers. The patented devices provide precise control over fans or central ventilation systems by responding to the usage of electric cooking appliances, electric showers and conventional showers. Housed in single boxes, they are easy to install and require minimal maintenance. Compared with alternatives they consume less energy, have lower running costs and emit less carbon pollutants. By reducing dampness, condensation and cooking odours, the controllers protect the fabric of dwellings from damage as well as improving indoor air quality in an increasing number of properties.
Wireless CCTV
Rochdale
http://www.wcctv.co.uk
Wireless CCTV Ltd wins an Award for the continuous development of wireless, closed circuit television Dome systems. The company is an international, market leading innovator in the field of overt, covert and body-worn 3G mobile surveillance solutions. WCCTV Domes are portable, rapidly deployable systems that can be operated and monitored via mobile phone networks. Operational functions include 360° pan, tilt and zoom, enabling face and number plate recognition. The live and recorded footage can be viewed remotely in dedicated monitoring stations, or can be accessed using laptops, desktop computers and handheld devices. All recordings are of evidential quality, and a growing number of public sector clients, from market sectors as diverse as law enforcement and traffic management, are using WCCTV equipment for monitoring and crime prevention purposes.
Previous Years Queen's Awards
* Queens' Awards for Enterprise 2008 opens for UK-based businesses
* Acoustic resonance anemometer wins Queen's Award
* Queen's Awards highlight electronics success
* SMEs take the Queen's Award spotlight
* Redditch firm wins Queen's Award for innovation with railway black box
* Technology firms given Queen's Awards call-up
* UK Firms Triumph in Queen's Awards
* Electronics enterprise is big hit in Queen's Awards
* Queens Awards get change of emphasis
* Innovation frustration in Queen's Awards