Event Report: Low Carbon Innovation Showcase, Shoreham-by-Sea

Delegates from various environmental sector businesses made their way to Shoreham-by-Sea to explore the exciting and innovative journey towards bringing a new product or service to market.

The event was arranged by the Sustainable Business Network as part of the University of Brighton’s Green Growth Platform, in partnership with both Worthing & Adur Chamber of Commerce and Adur & Worthing Councils.

Adrian Moss, of Saunders Energy, spoke about the company’s latest product, PowerFrame, a generator which uses water to produce electricity. Adrian gave an insight into their innovative process, from the initial concept right through to the final product, as well as the challenges they faced from funding to finding test-sites.

The initial idea for PowerFrame came about in 2009. With support from Southampton University, and after consulting potential clients and conducting detailed product research, manufacturing began in 2015. Pre-sale testing of the PowerFrame is currently being undertaken in the River Arun in Littlehampton, ready for this cost-effective, renewable energy technology to be introduced to mainstream markets. View Adrian’s presentation online.

James Dean, Director and Founder of Circuitree, spoke about their Aqueous Hybrid Ion (AHI) saltwater battery, which allows for energy produced by renewable energy, such as solar PV, to be stored and used at a later date.

Inspired by the aging infrastructure and increasing risk of power stations, Circuitree offer a safer, more reliable and cost-effective alternative, as the AHI saltwater battery is non-toxic and comes at a much lower price than its Li-Ion competitors. James also spoke about the obstacles they faced, as well as the support they received, whilst developing this product.

Sandra Dicker, R&D Tax Relief Consultant at RIFT Accounting, spoke about R&D Credits. This is an HMRC inventive allowing companies developing new products to claim a cash payment or tax deduction of up to 33% of their total research and development spending. This scheme is open to a wide range of companies, from the building sector to the IT industry.

The scheme offers support for innovative companies looking to introduce new products or services, with qualifying expenditure including wages, contractors, software and prototypes. The scheme has previously helped Esska Design LTD, a women’s footwear developer, who are now looking to expand their range of products. View Sandra’s presentation online.

The presentations came to an end with Zoe Osmond, Director of the University of Brighton’s Green Growth Platform, who spoke about unlocking business potential with their 1-2-1 business support, events, and training.

Zoe talked about the wide range of projects and businesses that the Green Growth Platform has supported, including Organic Roofs, the BCMY recycling company, and Nafici Environmental Research. View Zoe’s presentation.