Reviewed 28 June 2010

Welsh businesses prioritising innovation

Research shows region is committed to developing new ideas

A free seminar will offer businesses and entrepreneurs in South Wales advice on protecting their innovations and ideas - and feature an exhibition of award winning inventions from Welsh entrepreneurs.

The Intellectual Property Office will be holding the seminar, Creating Brand Value from Your Ideas, on Tuesday 29 June at Cardiff City Stadium. Exhibitors include twelve of the fourteen Welsh inventors who between them won fourteen medals and two top awards at this year’s Exhibition of Inventions in Geneva.

New research carried out on behalf of the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has shown Welsh businesses recognise the importance of innovation and the need to protect it.

A survey found over two thirds (67%) of Welsh business people believe innovation and product development is a crucial focus for their business. The research also found more than half (62%) said investing in IP such as patents, registered designs and trade marks was a good idea.

Baroness Wilcox Parliamentary Secretary for Business, Innovation and Skills said:

"It’s hugely encouraging that businesses in Wales are so committed to developing new ideas and growing their enterprises through innovation.

"But to create new revenue and jobs, those innovations and ideas must be protected. Businesses must understand and use intellectual property protection to profit from their ideas."

Deputy Minister for Science, Innovation and Skills, Lesley Griffiths, who will open the event, described it as a great opportunity for companies to learn more about Intellectual Property, the value of IP to a business, how to protect it and maximise these assets.

"We have a wealth of talent in Wales, innovative companies and individuals that are developing new products and services which is evidenced by their outstanding success at the Inventions Show in Geneva but to benefit from their success they need to protect their Intellectual Property."

Robert Clarke and John Lockwood, Gold Medal Winners for Best Inventors 2010, will speak about their experience of using intellectual property and exhibit their Sports Injury Rehabilitation Assistant (SIRA)-the first powered stretching machine of its kind.

The seminar, which is also supported by the Welsh Assembly Government, brings together a team of IP experts and professionals from a number of organisations, including Flexible Support for Business (FS4B), Cardiff University Knowledge Transfer Network and the Trading Standards Institute.

A key part of the day is the chance to book a free one-to-one session with either a trademark attorney or a trade mark and design expert from the IPO to discuss any IP issues. Places are limited and booking is essential.

The seminar takes place on Tuesday, 29 June 2010 at Cardiff City Stadium, Leckwith, Cardiff and runs from 09:00 to 13:00.

Following opening remarks from the Deputy Minister, presentations will be given by IP experts Gary Townley (IPO), Tony Guile (WAG), trademark attorney Gareth Jenkins from Wynne-Jones, Laine & James, branding expert Gavin Cawood from Design Wales and Robert Clarke and John Lockwood, from Sportfit.

The winning Welsh inventors, who have had support in developing their products through the Welsh Assembly Government's Business Innovation Programme, will be exhibiting their medal winning inventions at the seminar. Please see below for a full list of exhibitors.

Notes to editors

  • Event details
    Tuesday, 29 June 2010 - 09:00 -13:00, Tea/Coffee provided
    Cardiff City Stadium,
    Leckwith Road,
    Leckwith,
    Cardiff,
    CF11 8AZ

    Register NOW for this FREE seminar
    START your FREE IP Health Check
  • For more information please contact Sarah Challenger (01633) 814305 or Matthew Navarra (01633) 813813.
  • The Intellectual Property Office is within the Department for Business, Innovation, and Skills and responsible for the national framework of Intellectual Property rights, comprising patents, designs, trade marks and copyright.
  • Its role is to help manage an IP system that encourages innovation and creativity, balances the needs of consumers and users, promotes strong and competitive markets and is the foundation of the knowledge based economy.
  • It operates in a national and an international environment and its work is governed by national and international law, including various international treaties relating to IP to which the United Kingdom is a party.
  • Exhibitors - Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Institute of Welsh Affairs (IWA), HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), Trading Standards Institute (TSI), Cardiff University - Knowledge Transfer Centre (KTC), University of Glamorgan Business School, Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM - Wales), FS4B, Intellectual Property Office (IPO) - Trade Mark and Design Help Desk.
  • Exhibitors
    Gold Medal Winners

    T-Box, a cardboard carrier system for trolleys designed to replace plastic bags in supermarkets. Invented by John Chichester of Cardiff

    Zerochromat, lightweight ultra-high performance telescope using inexpensive commonly available glass types. Invented by Peter Wise of Abergele;

    Memseal, a re-useable device for pharmaceutical packaging that can indicate if the package has been tampered with but can also be used to remind people when to take their medication. Invented by Ray Methuen, of Gwent Electronic Services, Pontypool;

    Cadarn Talon, a robust rescue and mooring device that can be used in hand or in conjunction with a boat hook for greater reach. Invented by Rob Stone, Wenvoe,near Cardiff.

    Silver medal winners

    Cook-A-Long, an adjustable kitchen worktop for children that fits into a standard kitchen drawer, an idea developed by designers Luke Khan and Warren Fauvel;

    Laptek, a laptop bag that converts into a mobile workstation, invented by Ceri Davies of Neath;

    Tourniquet Torch, a novel two-in-one medical device that consists of a tourniquet with a built in torch, developed by surgeon Dr Stratos Sofos of Rhyl;

    Litter Gripper, a device that effectively turns a refus bag into a dustpan invented by John Barrett of Newport;

    Soccer Trolley, a compact trolley specifically designed to carry everything a soccer coach needs for match days, developed by ex professional footballer Lee Jenkins of Aberystwyth.

    Bronze medal winners

    Bra Angel, a DIY repair kit for underwire bras that come adrift, an invention from Scott Dutton of Barry

    Sent & Meant, a one-piece greeting card within a frame designed by Bridget Docking of little Mill, Pontypool,

    Decorad, a device to lift radiators off their hangers to allow easy access for cleaning, decorating or maintenance, invented by Gordon and Janine James of Ammanford.
  • Business Innovation support is part of the Welsh Assembly Government's Flexible Support for Business and is part financed by the European Union's Convergence European Regional Development Fund and Welsh Assembly Government.
  • Business Innovation support is available to help businesses and individuals:
    - create and commercialise new products and processes
    - increase efficiency in manufacturing through technology & process improvement
    - introduce design for new product development and manufacture
    - identify, protect and exploit intellectual property
  • The £36 million pound project will provide an integrated package of support on Innovation, Design and Manufacturing to help companies identify opportunities for business improvement and growth. In the current economic climate it is more important than ever before that we help businesses and innovators to develop the new products and processed that Wales will need to be competitive in the future.
  • WEFO is part of the Welsh Assembly Governments Department for the Economy and Transport and it is responsible for administering European Structural Funds in Wales.

Date of release: 28 June 2010

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