Pictured above: Duke of York with Loughborough University's Dr Bryan Roberts during his visit to the Sports Technology Institute

HRH The Duke of York visited Loughborough University on 2nd Novemebr in his role as the UK's Special Representative for International Trade and Investment, to learn more about how two local organisations are succeeding globally.  

The visit was organised by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) to demonstrate the strong links between local firms, the 2012 Olympics and Japan. The Japanese Olympic team will be based at the University during the London Games.

The Duke's first visit was to the University's Sports Technology Institute where he saw research work being done by the £15m initiative to enhance innovation and enterprise in the sport and leisure sector. The Institute is home to the Sports Technology Research Group which has established an international reputation for its work with global brands including Adidas, Dunlop, Head, Nike, Reebok, Slazenger, Spalding, Speedo and Umbro on the design, simulation, testing and manufacture of sporting goods. 

The Duke met with researchers and students at the Institute and viewed demonstrations of their work featuring robot rigs, which were modelling the mechanical properties of a golf club and football. He also saw their developments in advanced sports apparel and fitness equipment. 

His Royal Highness then went on to visit Intelligent Energy, which was formed in 2001 as a Loughborough University spin-out company, specialising in global clean power systems.  They developed the world's first purpose-built fuel cell motorbike, the ENV. After seeing the fuel cell systems being configured and tested, the Duke took a ride in their latest vehicle, a zero-emission fuel cell hybrid Black Cab, which will be used in London by 2012 . The company also has a presence in the USA, Japan and India.

HRH The Duke of York said:

"I am delighted to be able to recognise the extraordinary work taking place in Loughborough, both at the university and in the myriad of local companies engaged in hi-tech industry. As I go around the world banging the drum for UK businesses. I'm always desperately proud of our hi-tech industries. It's a field in which we still lead the world and of which we should be justly proud."

Dr Andy Harland of the Sports Technology Institute, said: 

"We were  delighted to welcome His Royal Highness to the Sports Technology Institute.

"The University's Sports Technology research group has a proud tradition of partnering sporting goods from around the globe. Historically we have worked with UK based companies and businesses in mainland Europe and the USA. More recently we have been forging relationships with companies based in China, Japan and Taiwan and are also building research and enterprise partnerships in Singapore. The Sports Technology Institute is well placed to remain a preferred innovation partner to the world's leading sporting goods manufacturers."

Dr. Henri Winand, Chief Executive of Intelligent Energy, said:

"Intelligent Energy has reached a very exciting stage in the development of its clean power systems with the recent opening of Japanese and Indian offices." 

"We are always proud to demonstrate how Intelligent Energy contributes to the commercialisation of clean technologies on an international stage; our partnership with the Suzuki Motor Corporation is a great example of this. Clearly, UK innovation is vital for international trade and to fully realise the genuine opportunities which now exist in the fast expanding clean technology sector."

The Duke of York's activities as UK Special Representative for International Trade and Investment involve promotion of international trade and the attraction and retention of overseas investment. His role includes visits overseas in support of the UK's market, sector, and inward investment priorities; leading trade missions; and conducting business-focused tours in the UK regions.

Peter Hogarth, International Trade Director for the East Midlands, said: 

"The Sports Technology Institute and Intelligent Energy are great examples of how a growing number of innovative East Midlands organisations are benefitting from international trade - these two firms have particularly strong links with Japan.  Intelligent Energy has an office in Japan and works closely with Japanese businesses. They also successfully took part in our Japan mission at the time of the two years to go to the London Games anniversary.    

"Research has shown that companies that export are more resilient. Through international trade, companies can increase turnover and profitability and spread business risk. East Midlands companies have a lot to offer, and UK Trade & Investment can help them find the markets that can make the difference."