Pictured above: Lord Stafford
Ten of the East Midlands' most innovative businesses will go
head-to-head later this week (September 9th) as they compete
against each other at the Lord Stafford Awards 2010.
Over 200 people will descend on Athena in Leicester to see the
grand finale of the competition, which aims to recognise greater
collaboration between the region's companies and universities.
The annual event, now in its third year in the region, will
showcase the achievements of firms that have developed
groundbreaking products and services that will go on to have a
dramatic effect across the world.
This year judges have had to choose between a wide array of
innovations, ranging from a patented dual fuel injection system and
a new way to detect explosive residues, to a zero carbon housing
development and a gene detection test that could save lives in the
fight against cancer.
Lord Stafford is looking forward to a keenly-fought contest:
"The need for industry and academia to be much more in tune has
never been so great and I'm delighted that the collaborative spirit
is well and truly alive in the East Midlands.
"Having visited all ten finalists with the judging panel, I can
tell you unequivocally that this was the toughest competition yet
and the diversity of business and product application is a real joy
to behold."
He continued: "There is no doubt in my mind that some of the
innovations we will see on Thursday will transform the way we live
our lives in years to come."
Competing in the 'Innovation in Development' category is Source
Bioscience, ALBERT UK, Rolls Royce, LBT Design and Laser Optical
Engineering, whereas Quadralene's new biofilm remover for the
dental sector will do battle with Royal Derby Hospital for the
'Innovation Achieved' title.
The final award is 'Innovation for Sustainability' and this
features East Midlands Renewable Energy, Roger Bullivant Ltd and
Hardstaff Group. Each winner will pick up £5000 as prize
money.
Sponsors for the Lord Stafford Awards include the East Midlands
Development Agency, the East Midlands Universities Association,
CFE, Connect Midlands, epm: technology ltd, Swindell and Pearson,
Leicester and Leicestershire Leadership Group and the Enterprise
Europe Network.
For further information about The Lord Stafford Awards, please
visit their website here: www.thelordstaffordawards.co.uk