Lancashire Innovation Network Project Overview and Client ...

Lancashire Innovation Network

Project Overview and
Client Case Studies

June 2011

Version 5

Contents 3
4
The Innovation & Technology Service
4
Product Development 5
6
Doris Systems Global Ltd (Nelson)
Stair Aid 7
Tri-Namic Balls 7
8
Process Innovation 9
Accrol Papers Converters Ltd 10
Science in Sport Ltd 10
Maysons Solicitors LLP 11
12
ICT/E-Business 13
T & A Marketing 14
Autopia Service Station
Ulltra Skincare Ltd
The Big Horse Shop
Pastures Ltd

Business Support and Innovation Service

Regenerate Pennine Lancashire’s Business Support and Innovation service deliver the
Lancashire Innovation Network (LIN) project to assist small to medium sized
businesses in Lancashire. We help local companies develop ideas and become more
competitive through the effective exploitation of technology and innovation. Our
service is impartial and delivered by an experienced team.

Funding for LIN is partly provided by the European Regional Development Fund,
which helps us to support businesses across Lancashire. This support is offered in
partnership with local councils and a range of other partner and support
organisations. The project works with but does not duplicate services offered from
the private sector and the regions knowledge base.

To effect innovative change, our support ranges from initial information and
awareness activities such as seminars, through to in depth specialist support and
partial financial assistance. Examples of support include, but are not limited to,
assistance with information technology, software development, networks, mobile
solutions, web site creation and related e-business implementations. We also work
with businesses to help them develop and manufacture products, and with other
process modifications.

This portfolio of case studies presents examples of project types the team have
assisted across Pennine Lancashire. Projects range from ICT and e-business
solutions, to process innovations and the development of new products. This is not
an exhaustive list of the types of support available. The aim is to keep the funding as
flexible and responsive as possible in order to meet the needs of local businesses and
residents, as long as the proposed work fits within the broad parameters of
innovative change and the requirements of the LIN programme.

Contact:
Regenerate Pennine Lancashire
Suite 22 The Globe Centre
St James Square
Accrington
BB5 0RE

Telephone: 0800 612 2029

Email: [email protected]
Web: www.regeneratepl.co.uk

Product Development

Doris Systems Global Ltd

Background

The Doris System is an efficient blast cleaning device for cleaning masonry, metals
and other materials. The device was conceived and developed by Nelson based
inventor, Ray Britner. The machine provides an environmentally friendly alternative
to the blast cleaning and surface preparation industries, which up to recently had no
choice but to use conventional compressed air
systems. The Doris no-pressure system utilises a
vacuum system, minimising operator risks.

The system has received much attention from

Local Councils across the United Kingdom and

other European countries for the removal of

graffiti. Many are interested due to the reduced The Doris Blast Cleaning Gun in action.
CO2 emission of the product. Demonstration

events have resulted in purchases from several North West Authorities. The system

has also been sold to Probation Trusts in the Merseyside area for graffiti removal.

The Project

An interest from Russia and Europe led to Doris Systems considering ways to expand
the devices patents, as UK protection of the machines design would not safeguard it
abroad. Doris Systems approached the Lancashire Innovation Network for advice and
support, so they could obtain an international extension of the patents. They
considered taking the product to an exhibition before applying for the patent cover,
but our Business Support and Innovation Advisers persuaded them otherwise.
Regenerate arranged for a patent attorney to help Doris Systems within 48 hours
and contributed toward the cost of filing the patent application. They would have
lost all chance of obtaining patent cover if they had exhibited the product.

Outcomes

Regenerate continues to assist Doris Systems, currently working with them to
redesign a number of the devices components to improve the efficiency of
production. This is of increasing importance, as it is expected that the number of
volumes sold will increase dramatically over the next two years. The LIN team
continues to advise the company on intellectual property and are involved in
extending a second UK application on the Mark II model of the product, once again
contributing to costs. Regenerate also assisted with product design, examining new
methods of production to increase efficiency as the number of manufactured
products rises. Nelson will remain the central hub of research and development of
the product, including manufacture and assembly. An expansion following Russia’s
interest will create approximately 10 new jobs.

Stair Aid

Background

A Blackburn man’s ingenuity could provide a much needed
hand to millions of people who have difficulty walking,
following assistance from Regenerate.

Stair Aid is a specially adapted banister, with an attachable
bar designed to help disabled or elderly users navigate stairs
safely. The products can also be used along level areas to
support the user when they move around their home. Bill
Austin, 87, came up with the idea to help his late wife Betty,
who had difficulties moving around their home following a
stroke. Phil Richards, Chief Executive of the Prospect Homes
Group, contacted Regenerate’s Business Support and
Innovation Service team on Bill’s behalf.

The Project

Paul White, one of Regenerate’s Innovation & Technology Bill Austin, demonstrating Stair Aid.
advisers, introduced Bill to the engineering firm Polymet,
who had the means to produce his invention. With help
from Regenerate, Bill ran an exhaustive design and testing
process, which included input from occupational therapists,
physiotherapists, social services and Lancaster University.

Outcome

Polymet, having brought the design to a level of engineering efficiency and attractive
appearance for a production version, have now been approached by a group of
investors who are proposing to assist them bring the product to market. They would
expect the product to be widely available on the market later in 2011.

“I’m very proud of Stair Aid. It’s not that I want to get rich. The initial idea was to help
people and that’s something I want to continue doing.”
Bill Austin, Inventor of Stair Aid.

Tri-Namic Balls

Background

Yasmin Hussain, 28, established her business, Tri-Namic Balls, in
February 2010 with help from Regenerate. Tri-Namic balls are
novelty football and rugby balls which carry a club crest or
national flag and can be used as a conventional ball, an in-car
accessory or corporate gift. Yasmin, from Blackburn, decided
that the sale of promotional football and rugby products would
make a good business proposition after seeing the nation’s love
of sport in the run up to the World Cup in 2010.

The Project

Yasmin wanted to approach Premier League football clubs to try

and secure the use of official club crests in order to progress her Yasmin and a selection of her
products.
business. She had no experience of licensing or intellectual

property rights, so consulted Regenerate’s Business Support and Innovation team for

advice and support.

Outcome

Having struck deals with Burnley FC and Bolton Wanderers FC, who now sell her
products online and through official club stores, Yasmin is currently in talks with
Blackburn Rovers and Accrington Stanley. She also has a range of balls marked with
the national flags of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.

“Regenerate’s help has been invaluable. My advisor, Paul White, has come with me
to all the meetings with the clubs, which has been a massive help because I wanted
them to take me seriously. He has acted as a mediator, negotiating license fees and
helping my business progress.” Yasmin Hussain, Tri-Namic Balls.

Process Innovation
Accrol Papers Converters Ltd

Background

Accrol Papers Converters Ltd (APC) have been established
manufacturers of paper based products for 15 years. The
company initially manufactured toilet rolls, but has
expanded following the relocation to larger premises in
Blackburn and the purchase of more sophisticated
machinery. Accrol now produces kitchen rolls, centre
feeds and jumbo rolls. Its growth strategy is to continue to
supply products to discount retailers, hygiene service
providers and wholesalers of janitorial goods. In addition,
APC will begin to supply one or more major supermarkets.

The Project

To gain access to the supermarkets it was necessary for APC to develop a quality
management system that is compliant with global standards for food packaging,
while meeting the operational needs of its business.

The company contacted Regenerate’s Innovation & Technology Service for advice,
guidance and financial support to meet the required standards.

APC’s directors asked Regenerate to prepare a programme of work to help them
achieve quality management objectives. Regenerate recommended an independent
consultant to APC, Ken Barton, who was able to help them prepare this. Ken was an
ideal candidate, due to having many years experience in this area of work and a
knowledge of the Global Standard for Food Packaging.

Outcome

The system was implemented in 2010 and has resulted in the company gaining
accreditation from the British Retail Consortium and employing a further 25 staff
members.

Science in Sport

Background

Science in Sport (SIS) were established in 1992 to provide nutritional products and
advice to athletes. SIS design, develop and manufacture drinks and edible energy
bars to help athletes enhance their performance, hydrate and recover. SIS employs
over twenty staff at their Altham factory.

The Project

Alan Whitfield, Operations Director at SIS, wished to investigate alternatives to the
plastic bottles used to contain the product. A stock of empty bottles consumed a
large percentage of the factory space so Alan wanted to research a space efficient
alternative. Alan was interested in the possibility of replacing the bottles with re-
sealable Stabilo pouches, a system currently used by many producers of fresh ground
coffee.

The company approached Regenerate to support the development of a prototype
and trial batch for test purposes. They were aware that significant competitors were
investing heavily on entering the market, placing margin pressure on the products.
Regenerate assisted with the cost of design and manufacture for a forming tool to
create a prototype delivery method for the pouches. Regenerate also helped Science
in Sport fund the installation of two weight checker systems, one for filling bottles
and one for sachets, to feed back data and control the flow rate. This investment
improved efficiency and facilitated an increase in production.

Outcome

If acceptable, the new product delivery method would save thousands of pounds
from the cost of packaging and dramatically reduce the storage space required.
Utilisation of space is particularly important, as SIS will require additional space to
accommodate their growth plans. The new bottle design will also reduce the
environmental impact caused by the plastic and reduce the weight of the packaging
from 45 grams to 7 grams. The economic design will also help improve customer
perceptions of the product.

“The benefit is not always just financial, in an SME it provides confidence that the
project is well thought out and allows them to progress when they otherwise
wouldn’t”. Alan Whitfield, Operations Director, Science in Sport.

Maysons Solicitors LLP

Background

Maysons Solicitors LLP was established in 2010
by Paul Mayson and Suzanne Greenhalgh, both
of whom are qualified solicitors with many years
experience in the legal profession. The projected
year 1 turnover is £120,000, to be achieved with 3 fee earners and 2 support staff.

The practice aims to establish a wide client base that incorporates both private and
business clients, providing a wide range of services. Activities include cost
recoverable fees and private paying clients, with an intention to develop a strong
practice in the areas of commercial and civil litigation and employment law.

Whilst Maysons LLP plays to its strengths in terms of commercial and civil litigation
and employment law, it has structured specialisation units in place that deal with
specific fee earning areas of work such as conveyance, wills, probate and criminal
law. Other areas such as commercial property will be developed over time as part of
the future growth strategy.

Maysons recognised a need for a software based administration system that would
respond to specific workflow needs and increase efficiency, saving time for staff and
benefiting specific client types.

The Project
Regenerate helped the practice to agree the requirements for the proposed
administration system and to interpret the responses from potential suppliers. The
One Suite of applications from DPS was ultimately selected and we supported
Maysons during project initiation and implementation stage to ensure fitness for
purpose and value for money. A small financial contribution to the project was also
supplied by Regenerate.

Outcome
Our support has helped Maysons LLP to implement an automated administration
system faster than would otherwise have been the case. This has accelerated the
development and efficiency of the practice in the early stages of trading and enabled
Maysons to employ 5 new members of staff.

ICT/e-Business- T&A Marketing

Background

Blackburn based T&A Marketing is a telesales company that provides services to the
mobile phone industry. The company has grown rapidly due to its ability to respond
quickly to compliance changes in mobile telesales regulations. Due to this, T&A now
provide sales and support services exclusively to the 3 network as part of its strategy
to bring its call centres back to the UK.

The Project
To manage the fast growth rate, T&A needed to upgrade its telecoms and
management infrastructure. The company contacted Regenerate’s Business Support
and Innovation Service for advice and support.

This growth required a new client resource management system, telephone
infrastructure and an expansion of its office space. The Business Support and
Innovation Service supported the technology aspects of the project with advice,
helped T&A marketing evaluate and find a suitable supplier and provided funding
that went towards the bespoke software aspects of the project.

Outcome

The first stage of the expansion was completed in August 2010 and the company
continues to grow, with additional office expansion and recruitment planned. The
new opportunity immediately opened roles for 10 new operators, with more to
follow in the coming months.

Following this, Regenerate worked with T&A to evaluate the feasibility of producing
a new phone application utilising Skype software to provide cheaper long distance
calls. Valuable research determined that it was not something that could be pursued
due to difficulties obtaining the right s and ability to use Skype software.

Autopia Service Station

Background

Autopia Service Centres in Darwen is a Self Service The Autopia website.
workshop facility with equipment available such as
car ramps and specialist tools. The facilities are
available for hire on an hourly basis and enable
customers to work on and service their vehicles in
a comfortable and dry environment. The idea has
been successful in the South of England and
Autopia is the first centre of its type in the North
West.

The Project

Autopia had been operating for a few months and had received a great deal of
positive feedback from magazine editorials and interest from classic car clubs. The
client identified that to promote itself further, it was necessary to engage customers
online through a professional, functional website. The client approached Regenerate
for support. Our team recognised a need for a system to manage bookings of the
facilities and saw an opportunity to launch a service that offered consumables and
service parts. Regenerate then helped Autopia create a technical specification to
meet these needs and identify and evaluate potential developers. As the project
progressed, further support was added with project management to ensure the
website was finished in time the launch of Autopia’s new service.

Outcome

With advice from our team on technology and financial support, the client developed
a professional website that manages bookings for the service and engages with
customers and car enthusiasts by providing other interactive functions.

ULLTRA Skincare

Background

ULLTRA is a leading brand in dry multi functional 3-in-1

all natural shave creams. The Nelson based company has

developed a unique formulation of dry shave cream

which is produced and marketed in several versions

mainly for the male grooming market. However they ULLTRA’s new e-commerce website.
recently developed products that are aimed at female

customers. The businesses traditional route to market has been through Direct

Response TV (DRTV) advertising and TV shopping channels.

The Project

Following support from Regenerate’s Business Support and Innovation Service,
ULLTRA were able to research and produce a website project and requirements
specification. From this, we were able to help them find a supplier with the skills and
technology to match.

Market research by ULLTRA indicated that its main market could be accessed
through a top quality on-line retailing website. Regenerate noted that a
concentration on social media sources would direct business to them. ULLTRA staff
experimented with Facebook, YouTube and other web2 media to gauge a response.
The company management team had been discussing a move to on-line trading for
some time but were unsure of how to ensure its success. The advent of social media
and the branding that they have gained through DRTV gave them the platform and
experience to move into web trading.

ULLTRA needed a web site that provided them with full editorial control of the
content and commissioned a bespoke e-commerce web site with full content
management capability. Since the launch of the site ULLTRA has grown, beating
targets and supplying products world wide.

Outcome

By making full use of social networking and viral marketing in its marketing mix,
ULLTRA now have an opt-in database of over 70,000 subscribers.

The Big Horse Shop

Background

The Big Horse Shop Ltd, based in Blackburn, began trading in December 2009.
Joanne Exton is the founder of the business which has a unique proposition; the
design, manufacture and sales of blankets specifically to fit heavy horse breeds. The
idea for this unique business was developed from her interest in riding and keeping
Shire, Shire Crosses and other large working horse breeds.

The Project

Joanne asked our Regenerate for assistance with the
development and distribution of her products. Following
our discussions, Joanne investigated the opportunities
for developing sales through shops, vet suppliers and e-
bay. However, the best opportunity appeared to be in
creating her own on-line shop.

Joanne’s market research indicated a fast growing rate A prototype of the horse turnout rug.

of interest in keeping and riding large horse breeds as

well as a market in the established stables for display driving and breweries. Joanne

discovered that an opportunity existed to manufacture and supply rugs, blankets

sheets, socks and other protection products specifically designed to meet the unique

shape of the heavy horse.

Further investigations indicated that she could have products manufactured to her
own design very competitively and was able to enter the market with a price
advantage over the be-spoke products currently available. Regenerate Business
Support Adviser Michael McNicholas worked with Joanne, finding a supplier who
could design and produce a range of turnout rugs for large horses and acting as an
adviser throughout the design process.

Outcome

Further meetings with Regenerate helped Joanne formulate the Big Horse Shop and
develop a requirement specification for the web site. This was used to source a
suitable web design house with the skills to support The Big Horse Shop’s on-line
business development. Since its launch in 2010, the site has experienced growing
monthly sales which are ahead of those predicted. As part of the company’s ongoing
business development, our team continues to support Joanne with the development
of new products. The Big Horse Shop is currently testing its products with help from
Thwaites Brewery and other show stables in the UK.

www.thebighorseshop.co.uk

Pasture Ltd

Background

Pasture Ltd is a successful Blackburn based
manufacturer of Halal meat-based
processed foods, mainly made to South
African recipes. The company sells products
via wholesalers and its own factory shop
using the brand name Khan’s Quality Foods. Sara’s Halal Foods new ecommerce website.
Following considerable market research and
many enquiries from the general public, they wished to launch a new brand, Sara’s
Halal Foods, selling the same range of foods in different quantities to the retail
market. Most of its products are either chilled or frozen and require specialist
delivery vehicles, therefore research was undertaken and contracts negotiated to
ensure successful deliveries.

The Project

In order to sell to the general public outside Blackburn, Pasture proposed to
purchase a full ecommerce website, which would enable them to market its products
online. The company contacted Regenerate for advice and support.

With advice from Regenerate and design by a local website supplier, the website
developed by Pasture utilises a sophisticated content-management and built-in
navigation system. Due to the perishable nature of the product, it is essential that
postage and packaging is stated and handled correctly. A database system was
included in the website design that accurately records this to assist both staff and
customers, to help ensure fresh products are delivered in batches and automatically
generate how much the client is charged for delivery.

Outcome

The site is now taking regular orders and is contributing to the expansion of the
company. It is anticipated that the increase in business will create at least two new
jobs on the shop floor and will safeguard the existing workforce.

www.saras.co.uk

For more details contact:

Regenerate Pennine Lancashire
Suite 22 The Globe Centre
St James Square
Accrington
BB5 0RE

Tel: 0800 612 2029
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.regeneratepl.co.uk