MG Electrical Triumphs in Springboard National Final

2007-03-07 12:42:50

MG Electrical - an energy saving electrical products manufacturer from Scarborough has scooped the top prize in this years Shell Springboard National Final.

The company scooped the award for its 8to5 energy saver, a simple, cost-effective fixture designed for energy efficient lighting, beating off competition from over 200 other Springboard entrants throughout the UK.

Ian Pearson MP, Minister for Climate Change and Environment, and Shell UK's Chairman James Smith presented the award last night to MG Electrical?s Commercial Director Ron Deakin at London's Waldorf Hilton hotel.

It had been a grueling day for Ron who presented his case to the judges in a head-to-head battle with seven other finalists.

Ron Deakin and Jane Alderton from MG Electrical with their award .

Ron Deakin, Commercial Director, MG Electrical, said: "The Shell Springboard award is a tremendous honour, especially as the competition was so fierce. This is a landmark moment for us - it's great recognition for our staff and the award will provide a real boost to the business."

In addition to receiving £40,000 in Springboard funding, Ron will also visit Shell Technology Centre in Amsterdam and benefit from a 2 day business consultancy session.

James Smith, Chairman of Shell UK said: "With the climate change market growing, these are serious opportunities for businesses that can help to tackle climate change. Shell Springboard aims to support firms whose ideas are both environmentally and commercially sound ? and once again the finalists have proved there are great innovators out there who can make a valuable difference. They're an inspiration to other UK businesses."?

Climate Change and Environment Minister Ian Pearson said: "I welcome the Shell Springboard competition which rightly rewards business innovation and investment and congratulate the entrepreneurial winners who are already helping to set us on a path to a low carbon economy. There are rapidly expanding markets for low carbon products and services - the world market for environmental goods and services is projected to grow from $548bn in 2004 to $800bn by 2015. Economic dynamism can be combined with environmental responsibility. Environmental concerns are becoming core business - not as an alternative to making profit but as a route to it."

Lord Oxburgh, Ian Pearson MP, Gary Swandells and Dr Alastair Martin from Martin Energy Ltd and James Smith, Chairman Shell UK with their Runner Up award.

Runner-up to MG Electrical was Edinburgh based Martin Energy Ltd, which has developed a communications, and control system, which aggregates flexible processes on the demand side of the electricity.

For more information on the UK finalists please see Winning Ideas.