Angel Gurria, Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) will today (4^th March) deliver a keynote speech about the challenges facing regional economies such as the North of England.

Investment in people was the subject of a seminar co-hosted by Darrel Connell, Grant Thornton Investment Manager, which manages the Access to Finance for Healthcare Technologies programme, and Andrew Burton, Chairman of YABA and managing director of Viking Fund Managers, held at Venturefest Yorkshire 2010.

Yorkshire based, Liquid Accounts Ltd, a pioneer of Cloud Accounting in the UK, has successfully attracted equity investment of over £750k. This strengthens the company’s position as a market leader in the fast growing field of online accounting software (also known as Cloud Computing, or Software as a Service – SaaS). 

The company has sold an 18% stake to a syndicate of prominent local business angels, with a further 12% being match-funded by the Government’s flagship fund for women led businesses, The Aspire Fund. This support was attracted by Lisa Kendrick – one of Liquid’s founders and owners.    

The investment will help the company open up new routes to market, allow it to focus on developing its sales and marketing activity, and fully exploit the growing demand for cost effective and time saving SaaS applications amongst small and medium sized businesses.  The private investors, 3 of whom are joining the Board, bring with them a wealth of expertise and experience in both accounting and the running of software and web technology companies.

Co-founded by Lisa Kendrick, Jon Wright FCA and Matthew Holmes, Liquid has a rapidly expanding customer base and an established bank of reputable accountancy firms who use the Liquid Accounts system to improve service to their clients. Especially targeted at small and medium-sized enterprises but with a flexible package that can be tailored to suit any size of business, Liquid’s software solution has a reputation for being easy to use, attractively priced, and accompanied by excellent customer service. 

Richard Doyle, Technology Entrepreneur, Angel Investor and now Chair of Liquid, said: “I was introduced to the team at Liquid Accounts through my work with Connect Yorkshire and they immediately impressed me. Since conception in 2005, Liquid has developed a superb, extensive, yet easy to use 'on-line' accounting solution with 3438 programmes and over 1 million lines of code. Pre-investment the team have attracted hundreds of customers, and over 150 accountancy and bookkeeping practices, and win several high profile awards”.

Liquid Accounts MD, Matt Holmes said: “We are delighted to have been able to attract investment in such challenging economic times. We believe that this is testament to the quality of our software and the unique team behind it. Our focus will be on building relationships with young, ambitious accountancy firms who are looking for ways to grow their practices and offer a better service to their clients, and working with strategic partners to offer the benefits of Liquid direct to their customers at an affordable price.     

“There is an assumption that anything on-line must be a simple, cut-down version of the desk-top equivalent, however our software is the next generation of ‘Cloud Accounting’. Not only does it do what traditional software does but it offers real money-saving and time-saving business benefits, and can be tailored to suit each individual business – a bit like tailoring your digital TV, phone or broadband package to suit your lifestyle. That’s why we have clients ranging from Ebay shops to multi-nationals all using the same version of our software.” 

Commenting on this investment for Capital For Enterprise Ltd, Melanie Perkins, Lead Manager of the Aspire Fund, said: “Liquid Accounts is an outstanding example of technology revolutionising the business landscape and we are delighted to be able to support the Liquid team as they continue to grow the company.”

The deal was facilitated by introductions from Connect Yorkshire and business mentor, Denis Kaye. Leeds based Milners Solicitors acted on behalf of Liquid Accounts whilst The Needle Partnership acted on behalf of the private investors, and S J Berwin on behalf of The Aspire Fund.
 

Announced at the Community Partnerships Awards 2010, Inditherm won the ‘Suppliers Delivering Sustainability’ category.  Judged by senior Department of Health and NHS managers, the award acknowledges their contribution to making the highest standards of care financially viable and environmentally more sustainable.

Investors Dr Chris Ilett and Alan Needle of the Yorkshire Association of Business Angels have provided the funding to help Grimsby-based Energy Optimizers develop its ground-breaking device the PLOGG and expand its sales in the US and Australian markets.

The financial backing for the device has also helped the company secure additional lending to create an overall investment of £150,000.

The PLOGG is a plug-in device which logs the energy used by individual appliances and can be programmed to switch appliances on and off at fixed times or in response to outside signals, such as generation from a wind turbine or energy pricing information transmitted through a ‘smart meter’.

More sophisticated than most plug-in meters, the PLOGG communicates with other devices, PCs and smart meters via wireless connection making it easy to analyse and reduce energy usage.

Energy Optimizers chief executive Shaun Merrick said: “Energy companies can use the PLOGG to understand how business and residential customers use electricity at the appliance level. This can help them find ways to encourage consumers to switch off to reduce energy usage or to shift usage by a few minutes or hours to help balance electricity supply and demand.”

Energy Optimizers has sold the PLOGG to research and development projects in Europe, Australia and North America for field trials, helping to balance local and regional electricity grids.

The company plans to use the knowledge gained from these projects in the development of lower cost devices for the mass market.

Dr Ilett said: “The PLOGG is the ideal tool for these field trials as it is easy to install, provides rich, accurate electricity usage data, communicates via industry standard protocols and has an open, highly programmable structure.

“It has security features which protect the consumer and the appliances and ensures that appliances can only be switched within the parameters agreed by the consumer.”

The PLOGG is also being used by corporate energy managers to work out low energy options such as whether appliances are best left on standby or powered back up each day. One business found it saved energy by switching drinks chillers off overnight and re-chilling them in the morning, rather than leaving them constantly switched on.

Dr Ilett added: “Saving on energy is increasingly not just about how much you use it, but when you use it, as companies bring in different price bands for peak and off peak periods. “Although mainly used by corporate clients at the moment, the PLOGG has the potential to tap into millions of residential customers as people become more sophisticated about their energy use.”

With 20 years’ experience in the energy sector Dr Ilett saw the potential in the product when he was sent information on the company by the Yorkshire Association of Business Angels.

The deal was arranged with the support of high-tech investors group the Viking Club.

The investment is helping the company secure the necessary certification for the PLOGG to be used in larger deployments in the Australian and US markets and to continue research and development of the product for further expansion in the UK.

Source: http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/yorkshire/news/21632-plug-in-energy-saver-secures-funding-for-global-break-out.html?news_section=246

Nick Parsons, Head of Markets Strategy Europe for National Australia Bank Ltd, will share with delegates at first Friday, the region’s leading business networking seminar, how recent changes in the macro-economic climate will affect their organisations in the foreseeable future. The event will take place on March 5th, at the Cedar Court Hotel, Wakefield. Nick began his career in the London Discount Market, forecasting day-to-day changes in market interest rates. His subsequent roles in other banks have been as Group Economist, Global Head of Currency Strategy and Global Head of Research. He joined the major global financial institution, National Australia Bank, in 2007 as Head of Markets Strategy with over 25 years experience in Foreign Exchange and global money markets. Nick is a member of the SKY TV Money Panel, is a regular contributor to CNBC, BBC, SKY and Bloomberg news and is frequently quoted by major newspapers and news agencies. first Friday has built a widespread reputation, regularly attracting a capacity audience, generating new business opportunities, attracting high calibre guest speakers and focusing on the key issues faced by the business community. Mohan de Silva, first’s Chief Executive, said: “As we emerge slowly from the recession this event presents an excellent opportunity to hear first hand how the changes in European financial markets will affect local businesses. I am delighted to welcome Nick to the inaugural first Friday of 2010 and am sure that his knowledge of the national and local economy will be of interest to all.” The format of first Friday is simple. Beginning with an excellent lunch and superb opportunities to network, a brief economic update follows and what this means for local businesses. The guest speaker will then share their experiences and vision, helping to provoke debate and hopefully, inspire delegates. The event provides an ideal forum for lively discussion and includes an open question and answer session. To book your place at the March event please PHONE: Megan Harrison on 01924 306356 or EMAIL: meganharrison@wakefield.gov.uk The event runs from 12-2pm on 5th March and there is a charge of £25 plus VAT (£29.38) per delegate.

We are working together to bring you an unrivalled range of national and international experts in their field inspirational speakers, networking opportunities, exhilarating entertainment and a prestigious awards ceremony.

This unique joint event will begin with the Financial Leeds ‘Moving up 2010  - growing your business to the next level’ Business Conference on 31st March 2010 followed by the ABDN 12th Annual Dinner and Business Awards on the evening of the 1st April.

To book your tickets now or to find out more about the events, please visit our:

www.financialleeds.com/conference2010    

www.abdn.org.uk/dinner2010

Leeds based surgical sealant film manufacturer Tissuemed Ltd is investing in ‘research expertise’ by sponsoring a PhD student from the University of Sheffield’s world leading Polymer Centre.

Over the next three years Annika Clifton will carry out a research project – sponsored by Tissuemed – to investigate optimising their proprietary adhesive polymer technology for different tissue applications.
 

Annika will have the goal of adapting Tissuemed’s technology to develop a biodegradable membrane, which is modified to promote skin cell adhesion to wound beds and promote angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels.
Tissuemed has already brought to market a range of very fine absorbable films branded TissuePatch, which adhere to the body’s internal tissues, preventing the leakage of air, blood or other fluids encountered in surgery.
 

Currently the technology used in TissuePatch is more adhesive than competitor surgical glues, is easy to apply, requires no preparation and is effective within 30 seconds of contact.  It works like a surgical ‘cling-film’ and has been optimised to address the very specific demands of different surgical environments and tissue types.

This project has been designed to combine the expertise and experience of the University of Sheffield’s Polymer Centre with Tissuemed’s team of polymer scientists, the combination representing years of experience in developing polymer technologies for different medical applications.  Although in its current guise the product works well as an adjunct to wound closure, it does not actively stimulate new tissue growth within the body and this is what the research project will focus on.

Tissuemed’s R&D Manager Dr Ian Thompson states: “We are delighted to be working with this prestigious unit and highly expectant that the output will contribute significantly to our understanding of the applications for our technology beyond its current scope. We have a history of developing new products and technologies and this programme will help take us to the next level and potentially revolutionise key aspects of surgery across the world.”

For Sheffield’s polymer centre Dr Steve Rimmer comments: “We are all very excited about this new partnership, which combines around ten years of our own academic work with Tissuemed’s reputation and experience in getting products to market. I am sure we can make a real difference in clinical practice in a relatively short timeframe.”

Local entrepreneur Richard Mills has launched Swellaway after an ankle injury led to extensive surgery and the end of his regular Sunday morning matches. The patented technology provides the three components needed to treat swelling and inflammation, alternating between heating and cooling, and compression. The product can also be used for preventing injury by warming up muscles before exercise.

The innovative concept has been developed by Richard in conjunction with Design Futures at Sheffield Hallam University and has already received a Smart Award from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. Now, the company is looking for an investment of £280,000 to launch the product to market.

With the industry believed to be worth more than £16bn, there are a wide range of applications for the Swellaway technology and Richard will be concentrating his efforts on the consumer markets and healthcare professionals. The equine industry will also be a target, demonstrating the versatility of the technology.

To improve his prospects for investment, Richard has completed a series of workshops and mentoring sessions as part of the Yorkshire Forward Access to Finance for Healthcare Technologies programme. This has helped him hone his business plan, build a support network and has introduced him to a number of investors in the region and across the UK.

Swellaway has the backing of Dr Richard Higgins, a sports physician and club doctor at Sheffield Wednesday FC, and the technology has already received positive feedback at industry events.

Richard, 37, who has had a successful career in telecoms, said: "I have been delighted at how well our product has been received by the industry; it's provided me with the extra energy to make sure it's even more successful now. The Access to Finance programme has helped me prioritise the challenges ahead and has given me a real insight into what investors are looking for in the current market.”

Swellaway is just one of more than 60 companies which have already taken part in the Access to Finance for Healthcare Technologies programme this year.

Lisa Ward of Grant Thornton, which manages the programme, said: “This is an exciting time for Swellaway and we’re delighted to be involved in its development. Truly innovative healthcare technologies remain an attractive investment opportunity in the UK and the opportunities for Swellaway are numerous.”

The Access to Finance for Healthcare Technologies programme forms part of Yorkshire Forward’s ongoing strategy to support the development of the healthcare technologies industry in Yorkshire and Humber.

To find out more about the Access to Finance programme or to register your interest in the next introductory seminar, visit www.investinginhealth.co.uk

For more information on Swellaway visit www.swellaway.com

A Sheffield biotech is the latest company to secure investment following its involvement in the Access to Finance for Healthcare Technologies programme.

Two business angels from outside the region have joined forces with existing angel investors in a deal worth over £100,000 for Kirkstall Ltd, a biotech company developing innovative testing technologies at its Sheffield BioIncubator headquarters. In addition, the Viking Loan Fund has provided Kirkstall with £70,000 of working capital to support the company’s growth.

The company has developed toxicity screening products to be used by the chemical, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries to reduce the need for animal testing. The tests are based on human cells, reducing the risk of problems in human trials. The technology is the result of seven years research and development at the University of Pisa.

Dr Malcolm Wilkinson, managing director of Kirkstall, took part in Yorkshire Forward’s Access to Finance for Healthcare Technologies programme, managed by Grant Thornton, to help him shape the business plan and investor presentations.

Dr Wilkinson said: “The support provided by our mentors was very beneficial and helped us to hone our investor proposition. This helped us get the attention and secure the services of a first-rate non-executive chairman with impressive industry experience.”

Existing investors from the Viking Club and the Yorkshire Association of Business Angels have collaborated on this deal, demonstrating their confidence in the company and its people.

Andrew Burton, chairman of the Yorkshire Association of Business Angels, said: “There are major changes being proposed to the way we test compounds before they are used in, or on humans and Kirkstall is at the forefront of this work. The investment will enable the company to expand into this rapidly growing area.”

Kirkstall has just won its first significant three year contract on toxicity testing, helping the company meet its revenue targets for this financial year.

To find out more about the Access to Finance programme or to register your interest in the next introductory seminar, visit www.investinginhealth.co.uk

Attended by representatives from Wakefield Council and local businesses, the meeting focused on the key issues affecting businesses in the Wakefield District.

Rosie Winterton, the Minister for Yorkshire and The Humber, said: 

"I'm delighted to attend this meeting of the Wakefield Economic Taskforce today. The taskforce is a very real example of Councils and other local organisations working together to put Government Policy into practice at a local level and provide the real help that families and businesses need now to weather the storm of the recession and to come out of it stronger and fitter for the future."

The Taskforce has already implemented a series of practical measures to date including relaxing public agency buying criteria where possible, speeding up planning permissions, extending local business grants to boost investment, and launching the Wakefield Economic Helpline.

Councillor Peter Box, Leader of Wakefield Council, commented on the need to look to the future: 

“As the economic recovery unfolds we will move our focus to assisting businesses during the upturn. The new emphasis will be reflected in transforming the Taskforce’s work into an Economic Prosperity Board.”

Phil Atkinson, sales director at eleventeenth, said:

“It’s excellent to have the actions of the Taskforce supported by a government minister.

Commenting on procurement and winning new business, he continued:

“In order to benefit from the upturn it’s vital that local businesses win local contracts, and equally, that small businesses have access to support during the tender process.”

Now in its 13th year, York’s annual celebration of science and discovery has already brought more than 250 special events and activities spanning the very best bits of science to tens of thousands of people across the city and beyond.

Running between 12 and 21 March to coincide with the British Science Association’s National Science and Engineering Week, ‘Earth’ is this year’s central theme of a packed programme of special events and activities put together by Science City York and local partners, and involving the collective talents of an array of top names from the world of science from across the region and UK.

Festival Coordinator Debra Crossley from Science City York comments:

“This is a fantastic way to connect real science with the community at the heart of a ‘Science City’. Looking at life, the Universe and plenty in-between, the York Festival of Science and Technology is one of the best ways to experiment with the science that matters.”

The 2010 science festival launches on Friday 12 March with the unveiling of a new ‘Secret Science’ trail for the city. Science City York has teamed up with local touring company Exploring York to develop a special trail of discovery revealing some of the science behind York’s world-famous heritage. Starting out from the National Railway Museum, intrepid explorers can be amongst the first to turn ‘science detective’ and solve the clues to discover a lesser known side to York’s fascinating 2000 year history.

 The evening of the 12th March takes on a more macabre feel as self proclaimed ‘mad scientist’ Simon Watt promises blood, guts and gore as he morphs into time travelling alter ego ‘Dr Death’ to bring his Medi-Evil Medicine Show to York.
 

York-based Simon has perhaps most recently been found Inside Nature’s Giants on Channel 4 which saw scientists literally under the skin of four massive animals to discover what makes them tick. Future TV commitments permitting, Simon will also provide festival goers with an opportunity to discover more about the making of this intriguing TV series in his talk ‘Dissections Uncut’ on 16th March.

From whales to ‘Happy Feet’, the fascinating world of penguins and, more worryingly, the threats posed to their existence, is revealed by Professor Peter Barham from the University of Bristol in an illustrated talk hosted by St Peter’s School in York.

Adding to the mix is Otley-based Marty Jopson, the BBC One Show’s resident scientist, offering a chance to travel through time as he explores ‘Experiments that Changed History’; a ‘Primitive Methodist Guide to Arctic Survival’ by award winning comedienne Helen Keen; and of course the return of firm festival favourites such as the free, hands-on science expo ‘Discovery Days’ at the National Railway Museum.

“We are passionate about celebrating science and York’s acclaimed status as the UK’s founding National Science City,” comments Professor Nicola Spence, Chief Executive of Science City York. “The York Festival of Science and Technology is the highlight of our annual programme of events. Science is for life – not just the lab, and the festival is about living, learning and loving science.”

For a full listing of activities visit www.sciencecityyork.org.uk/community or follow on Twitter YFST2010

A South Yorkshire firm's revolutionary invention for generating power from tides has been shortlisted for a prestigious award for tackling climate change.

Pulse Tidal, based at the Advanced Manufacturing Park Technology Centre, has developed the generator, which can be used in far shallower water than conventional wave power machines, opening the way for generating power from many new coastal locations.

The company, which is developing a commercial version of its device after successfully testing a prototype working in the Humber Estuary, has been shortlisted for a Shell Springboard worth up to £40,000.

Pulse's chief executive, Bob Smith, said: "I'm delighted that the Shell Springboard judges considered our idea worthy of being shortlisted, particularly because the standard of entries is always very high.

"Winning this award would enable us to continue to press ahead aggressively finding the right sites, keep us within the project's schedule and increase our attractiveness for future investors."

Shell Springboard gives a financial boost to innovative, commercially viable business ideas that tackle climate change.

James Smith, chairman of sponsors Shell UK, said: "Over the last five years, Shell Springboard has supported over thirty small businesses that have products for tackling climate change.

"They have received no strings financial awards totalling £1.3 million. It's great to these businesses still coming through even in these tough times. Congratulations and best wishes for success to Pulse Tidal."

The region is an important market for Yorkshire companies to access, and the exhibition which is attended by over 55,000 visitors every year, is an ideal platform for regional companies to highlight how their pioneering products are improving healthcare for patients around the world.

It is estimated that the Middle East’s healthcare sector is worth US$74 billion, and is growing at a rate of 16% annually – making it a key market for regional healthcare companies to target.

Supporting companies at the exhibition will be Medilink Yorkshire and Humber (Y&H), the organisation dedicated to the growth of the Healthcare Technologies Sector and UK Trade & Investment (UKTI).

Charlotte Fraser, International Manager at Medilink Y&H, regional sector specialist for UKTI, and organiser the Yorkshire Pavilion at the show, said: “The UK enjoys an excellent trading relationship with countries across the Middle East, with sustained investment in health delivery reforms leading to the demand for the latest technologies and medicines. 

This year in a bid to further develop new trading collaborations, there are a wide range of pioneering companies at the exhibition showcasing the latest in cutting edge products and innovations.”

Some of the pioneering products that will be on display from Yorkshire companies include:

• Rotherham based Inditherm Medical, will be unveiling their innovative patient warming systems, unique devices which are clinically proven to reduce the risk of hypothermia, wound infections, and blood loss, as well as encouraging faster recovery times.

• Anetic Aid, from Guiseley, will also be at the show to reflect British manufacturing at its best. A regular to the exhibition, the company enjoys world wide recognition for their trolley systems which includes the QA3 patient trolleys, and their QA4 surgery trolley systems, which are all designed, developed and manufactured in the UK. 

• Printed hospital wristbands will also be introduced to the Middle East by Cross Hills based Brenmoor.  The innovative company currently supply 70% of UK hospitals with printed identification wristbands to ensure their patients are correctly identified throughout their stay in hospital - a practice which the UK is looking to roll out across the Middle East.

• Elland based Drive Medical, the UKs fastest growing manufacturers and distributors of mobility and healthcare products, will be attending the show for the second time to seek new distributors and further enhance their key relationships across the Middle East.

• Surgical Innovations (Leeds) – a designer and manufacturer of innovative surgical devices - will be attending the exhibition to launch their pioneering resposable™ concept to Middle Eastern surgeons. Resposable™ is a unique concept that combines both single use and reusable components to deliver the cost effectiveness of a reusable instrument with the optimum performance of a disposable.

• Medezine, from Sheffield, will be unveiling their latest range of medical electric, designed specifically for the forensic and mortuary market. Medezine and Barber Autopsy have been producing medical saws for over 20 years, and will also be launching their new catalogue at the show featuring a complete range of products for the forensic and mortuary market. 

• The next generation in scalp coolers will be showcased by Paxman Coolers (Huddersfield), providing cancer patients with the best possible chance of retaining their hair whilst undergoing chemotherapy treatment. Paxman’s cooling caps aim to minimise patient distress with figures showing that on average 70-90% of patients who use the system do not require a wig.

• After a successful 25th Birthday Year, Park House Healthcare, from Birkenshaw, is taking its made to order pressure care equipment to Dubai to promote their products and meet with potential business partners from across the Middle East.
 
• Providing single use alternatives to replace difficult to clean reusable surgical instruments, Barnsley based Single Use Surgical is looking to educate the Middle East marketplace about their products and meet with potential distributors from across the UAE. Already used in over 400 hospitals in the UK, Single Use Surgical guarantees a sterile and undamaged instrument every time.

By Anastasia Weiner - TheBusiness.com Correspondent, Yorkshire

AN energy saving device applicable across all manufacturing sectors will soon be on the market thanks to £80,000 business angel investment.

The SensSlip system, which has been developed by Sheffield-based engineer Robert Brown, automatically monitors the level of slippage in belt drive systems, which are used widely in most manufacturing machinery.

As belts slip, processes become less efficient, energy is wasted and belts are more likely to break, which means higher costs and higher carbon emissions.

Checking and re-setting belts is time-consuming so automatic monitoring ensures maintenance is only carried out when needed reducing down time and costs.

The potential for SensSlip was spotted by business angel Simon Smith at an investment forum run by the Yorkshire Association of Business Angels, of which Simon is a member.

Not only has he invested in Mr Brown's company, Sensdata he's also been helping to add additional features to the SensSlip monitoring system.

Mr Smith said: "Robert's original device displayed data on a LED screen next to the belt drive, which works fine for factories where an operative is constantly working the machine.

"We've now added the capacity for remote monitoring, so data from each device can be viewed online from any location and maintenance staff can receive email or text alerts when there's a problem with a belt. This will be indispensable for utility companies in particular, as they have many remote sites that currently they can only check occasionally."

Mr Brown, who is an electronic engineer,said he had come across the problem of belt slippage in two very different sector - the steel and pharmaceutical industries.

"When you explain to other engineers how SensSlip works, many can't believe they didn't think of it themselves first, it seems so obvious," he said.

"People believe in the device straight away, which really helps in marketing it. In the end, the simplest ideas are the best."

The engineer developed the device in his spare time and built the first prototype out of his son's Lego set.

With the help of some funding from Yorkshire Forward he later convinced local companies from a range of sectors including Corus and Yorkshire Water to let him test the device in an industrial setting.

With patents now lodged and investment secured Mr Smith and Mr Brown are now looking forward to a successful 2010 and beyond.

"The potential market for SensSlip is substantial both in the UKand in Europe," said Mr Smith.

"We're now recruiting sales staff and will be starting to promote the product to the manufacturing and utility sectors in the New Year."