Pictured: Barrie Billinghay, innovation advisor,
iNet
Morgan Tucker, the Nottinghamshire-based consulting engineers
has received £10,000 innovation support funding (ISF) to
design and develop a new modular solution for constructing
foundations. The funding was awarded by the Sustainable
Construction iNet (iNet), the East Midlands-wide organisation,
which identifies and assists businesses developing innovative
techniques for use in construction. The funding meant Morgan Tucker
could undertake the research and development (R&D) project,
employ a new member of staff and safeguard the current team.
Morgan Tucker utilised the ISF to develop a modular system which
helps remove some of the technical unknowns relating to working
underground, which can be a very costly and time consuming part of
any build programme. The company identified that a modular system
would not only save construction firms time and money but also
reduce the carbon impact of unnecessary excavation work and
subsequent onsite traffic.
"The iNet funding has given the whole company a renewed
confidence and allowed us to allocate resources to the R&D
project. Innovation requires a helping hand and iNet was able to
help us develop the idea and talk to potential manufacturers and
end users", said Matthew Tucker, managing director, Morgan
Tucker.
Barrie Billinghay, innovation advisor, iNet added: "Matthew and
his colleagues at Morgan Tucker are an inspiration to innovators
and it's encouraging to see a busy practice investing in innovation
and R&D."
iNet assists small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) involved
in sustainable construction to develop innovative construction
products and services that will help the construction industry
reduce its CO2 impact. Having assisted over 100 businesses since
its inception in 2008, iNet is in a strong position to offer
funding, business advice or networking opportunities for SMEs in
the East Midlands.
iNet is based at the iCon Centre in Daventry, a purpose-built
business hub featuring best-practice design with sustainability.
Interested parties should contact the iNet on
info@construction-inet.org.uk or telephone 01327 304800.