HB Marketing is the first business to receive funding through the Sustainable Construction Innovation Network (iNet).

The £10,000 Innovation Support Grant will go towards the £25,000 development costs of producing the prototype for a water-measuring device for installation in domestic showers.

John Hall, Commercial Director of Nottingham company HB Marketing, was keen to develop the technology, as average water use in domestic showers is actually far higher than people realise.  He said: "Washing, bathing and showering accounts for 33 per cent of domestic water use, with the average bath needing 80 litres of water. However, showers are not always the environmentally-friendly option as people do not know how long they spend in the shower and can be using up to 24 litres of water a minute depending on the type of shower fitted."

John explained: "The old adage, 'what gets measured gets done' is so true.  We don't want to tell people what to do, but our market research tells us very clearly that if people can see how much water they're using, then they very often make an informed decision to use less.

The system is being developed to my brief by Leicester designers, Bluefrog Design, and will be easily retro-fitted to standard shower hose and head systems. It gives you a true reading of the actual water used and not just the time you're in the shower like the units that are already on the market."

John continued: "The prototype should be ready by the end of June.  At this point we will be in a position to approach manufacturers and distributors ready to go into full production."

Barrie Billinghay, Business Adviser for the Sustainable Construction iNet, has been working with HB Marketing to secure the funding.  He said: "The Sustainable Construction iNet is there to support innovative ideas and products across the whole industry sector and is not restricted to large construction companies.  We were very impressed with the obvious benefits that this device offers to domestic users. 

"We want all companies based in Nottinghamshire that supply products and services to the construction sector and the domestic market to develop ideas such as the water measuring device and bring the product to market."

To qualify for an Innovation Support Grant, the applicant must be based in the East Midlands and operating commercially in construction or an associated industry sector such as mining, quarrying, waste management, energy or water supply. They must also require technical or consultancy assistance for their idea, product or process and expect to protect or create jobs as a result.

The Sustainable Construction iNet is funded by East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The aim of the iNet is to share expertise and stimulate the research and development of new products, services and processes.

Businesses wanting to find out more about the Sustainable Construction iNet and the grants available should telephone 01604 892836 or visit www.eminnovation.org.uk