Pictured above: (l-r) Gillian Ward-Stokes, Innovation
Advisor, iNet; Steve Willis, Technical Director, Permashutter Ltd;
Michael Ellis MP, North Northampton; Neil Hadler, Sales Director,
Permashutter Ltd; David Bartram, National Innovation Manager,
Environment Agency and Richard Moore, Investment Manager,
Northamptonshire Enterprise Ltd
A Northamptonshire-based innovative design and manufacture
organisation, Permashutter Ltd which has been developing products
with the Environment Agency and BT Openreach, has gained support
from Michael Ellis MP, Northampton North after contacting the
Sustainable Construction innovation Network (iNet) for assistance
with its latest product.
The iNet is positioned to assist East Midlands SMEs in
developing their construction products and services through to
commerciality and has announced that Permashutter is the ideal
company to apply for innovation support. SMEs are encouraged to
contact the iNet for support worth up to £10,000 together
with access to a network of contacts within the sustainable
construction industry.
As part of their support package, the iNet hosted a meeting
between Michael Ellis MP and Permashutter, giving Steve Willis and
Neil Hadler, directors with Permashutter, the opportunity to gain
backing from a local MP. Having impressed Michael Ellis MP with
their innovative and low carbon products, the company is due to
pitch to representatives from The Department for Environment, Food
and Rural Affairs (Defra) and Communities and Local Government
(CLG) to gain national recognition for their services.
Permashutter has developed a polymer headwall as a quick and
cost effective alternative to casting headwalls in situ. The
Permashutter polymer headwall is lightweight, highly durable and is
designed to be installed and then filled with concrete on site
within three hours. Due to demand from The Environment Agency and
civil engineering contractors, a range of polymer headwall models
is now being developed and will be available in the next few
months. Permashutter is also developing other civil engineering and
permanent formwork products such as retaining walls and foundations
on behalf of clients such as BT Openreach.
Gillian Ward-Stokes, innovation advisor, iNet said:
"Permashutter is currently midway through the application process
for innovation support but we are certain their products will be a
success. They are just the sort of organisation the iNet is in
place to assist; creative, dynamic and producing low carbon
products. We will be working closely with Steve and his team to
create new jobs in the area and help them grow as a business."
Michael Ellis MP, Northampton North added: "SMEs are the
backbone of the construction industry and a vital tool in the
economy for creating jobs in our town. Organisations such as the
iNet are integral to the ongoing innovation in the East Midlands,
and Permashutter is a shining example of innovation in this
region."
Steve Willis, technical director, Permashutter commented: "We
are so pleased to have met with Michael Ellis MP regarding our
current products and future developments and are excited for the
opportunities presented. The iNet has been extremely supportive and
we are confident that once our application is approved, we can
utilise their expertise to develop our products and continue the
company's growth."
The Sustainable Construction iNet is funded by East Midlands
Development Agency (emda) and the European Regional Development
Fund (ERDF) and has helped more than 55 businesses in the East
Midlands with targeted funding support. As well as securing finance
for East Midlands SMEs, the iNet also has a network of business
advisors and educational institutions which offers advice and
guidance on projects for the sustainable construction sector.