Friday 15 January 2010

Invention helps industry to tighten its belt

An energy saving device applicable across all manufacturing sectors will soon be on the market, thanks to £80,000 business angel investment.

The SensSlip system, developed by Sheffield-based engineer, Robert Brown, automatically monitors the level of slippage in belt drive systems, which are used widely in most manufacturing machinery.

As belts slip, processes become less efficient, energy is wasted and belts are more likely to break, which means higher costs and higher carbon emissions. Checking and re-setting belts is time-consuming, so automatic monitoring ensures maintenance is only carried out when needed, reducing down time and costs.

The potential for SensSlip was spotted by business angel Simon Smith at an investment forum run by the Yorkshire Association of Business Angels, of which Simon is a member. Not only has he invested in Robert’s company, Sensdata (www.sensdata.com), he’s also been helping to add additional features to the SensSlip monitoring system.

“Robert’s original device displayed data on a LED screen next to the belt drive, which works fine for factories where an operative is constantly working the machine,” explained Simon. “We’ve now added the capacity for remote monitoring, so data from each device can be viewed online from any location and maintenance staff can receive email or text alerts when there’s a problem with a belt. This will be indispensable for utility companies in particular, as they have many remote sites that currently they can only check occasionally.”

An electronic engineer by profession, Robert Brown had come across the problem of belt slippage during his time working in two very different sectors: the steel and pharmaceutical industries. When he spotted the solution, it was surprising simple, which has helped in convincing companies to give the device a try.

“When you explain to other engineers how SensSlip works, many can’t believe they didn’t think of it themselves first, it seems so obvious,” said Robert. “People believe in the device straight away, which really helps in marketing it. In the end, the simplest ideas are the best.”

Robert developed the device in his spare time and built the first prototype out of his son’s Lego™. With the help of some funding from Yorkshire Forward, he later convinced local companies from a range of sectors – including Corus and Yorkshire Water – to let him test the device in an industrial setting.

With patents now lodged and investment secured, Robert and Simon are now looking forward to a successful 2010 and beyond.

“The potential market for SensSlip is substantial both in the UK and in Europe,” said Simon. “We’re now recruiting sales staff and will be starting to promote the product to the manufacturing and utility sectors in the New Year.”

Ends

Photographs are available of Robert Brown and Simon Smith.  

Further information from:

Charlotte Atkinson, Communications & Events Manager, YABA, 01423 810149, admin@yaba.org.uk

Notes to editors:

YABA is a non-profit making introduction service that puts entrepreneurs and companies seeking finance in touch with private investors, known as business angels, looking to invest in start-up, growth stage and turnaround opportunities.

Business angels provide a vital source of funding to fill the equity gap in the high risk, early stages of business. They may invest sums of up to £250,000 but more usually keep within a range of £10,000 to £100,000. In some cases, a group of business angels may come together in a syndicate, particularly in cases where a large amount of finance is sought. Importantly, angels are also able to offer a wealth of business expertise and advice.

YABA also offers companies access to a register of business mentors and non-executive directors drawn from its membership, who have expertise and experience in a wide range of industry sectors and professions.

The Association is sponsored by regional development agency Yorkshire Forward and is a member of the British Business Angel Association.  

The Association runs a full events schedule throughout the year, including regular investment forums, at which entrepreneurs pitch their business opportunity and Master Classes for angel members on topics relating to private equity investment. YABA provides investors with secure online access to business opportunities in the region.

Associate members are drawn from the professional services sector and include legal, finance and banking representatives.

Further information is available on the YABA website: www.yaba.org.uk