Case Studies

Testing, evaluating and commercialising alternative energy with the I2C project

H2O Turbines Ltd is a specialist in pressurised wind turbine technology. The company has built a 3kW domestic turbine, which converts wind into power, using patented technology. The turbine is small enough to be installed in a back garden without planning permission being required and converts rotary motion into stored heat energy. Expressed in the simplest terms, when the wind blows, the top of the turbine spins and a rotating shaft goes to the bottom of the turbine in order to operate it. It uses no electrical components and does not burn carbon or use precious metals during its operation and production of power.

Taking part in the I2C project means that our new product has reached a milestone in its journey to commercialisation. Attending multiple masterclasses meant we acquired new skills and adopted new processes within the business too. The research report stating the University’s independent findings will be of huge benefit. It will provide validation of our technology, which promises to revolutionise how a free source of fuel can be harvested efficiently and effectively at a local level.

High Bird Shooting CLEOPATRA peacock feather necklace

I2C enables growth of in-house manufacturing capability for luxury fashion designer

Tracey Telford, of Tracey Telford Designs at High Bird Shooting is a creative and innovative designer, based in Cheshire. She makes a perfectly matching range of unique, sustainable, wearable artwork in feathers, sold to customers across the UK and beyond. These include luxury watches, bow ties, lapel pins, flowers, hat pins, bouquets and fascinators, creating a one stop shop for consumers looking for the highest quality, luxury accessories for every kind of special society event.

The networking aspect of I2C has been absolutely priceless. I have also really valued I2C’s advice on business direction. This is particularly useful for me as our business is so diverse. I have been able to focus on each area of the business and now have a clear direction on the way forward. The legal expertise made available to me through an I2C course on trademarking and copyright means I am now trademarking my name and company logo. I’ve even taken part in a marketing course which showed me how to link all my online platforms into direct sales. Customers can now buy direct just by clicking on a product photograph. I am so grateful for all the opportunities that I2C has opened up.

Validating the effectiveness of the next generation in cooling therapy

The cushioned Kooley Cold Pad is a unique product that has been designed to make cooling therapy after injury more accessible, efficient and more comfortable. Available in a whole range of shapes and sizes, the cold pad has potential applications across many markets, including medical, sport, health and beauty, equine and small animals care.

Without the high level of outstanding support we received from all departments in the I2C project we would have really struggled to reach this stage so early in the development of the company. Working with the engineering department gave us the opportunity to test and independently validate that our product reaches the required standard. The further introductions provided to other institutions have proved absolutely invaluable in our journey to commercialisation.

Focusing on taste testing a new food range

Green Sisters manufactures award-winning authentic, vegan, free from products in sweet and savoury flavours, promising to offer customers choice, nutrition and peace of mind.

3D printing technology revolutionises local beekeeping business

Bax Bees is a family-run beekeeping business based in Plumley, Cheshire, providing honey and bee related products sourced from its hives. The bees produce a wide range of distinctive, varietal and multifloral local honeys. These are cold gravity extracted, raw and unpasteurised, only coarse filtered and 100% natural. None of the honey is ever exposed to a higher temperature than it would normally be in a hive. Unlike mass produced honey, this means all of the natural enzymes, yeasts, proteins, flavours and aromas are perfectly preserved. As well as local and infused honeys, Bax Bees also manufactures a range of other products using beeswax, propolis and pollen from its hives.

The I2C application process was very straightforward and the results of taking part in the programme have been hugely significant. Access to the technology and expertise has enabled us to develop a working prototype really quickly. This would ordinarily be way beyond the scope of a small, family owned and run business such as ours. I hadn’t realised the full possibilities of 3D printing and scanning before attending the masterclass and the engineers at I2C also suggested some great improvements to the design. In the long term, we expect this invention to enable us to increase production of pollen so it goes from being a sideline product to becoming a major income stream for our business.

Creating innovative testing solutions for chemical decontamination to save energy, time and money

CORE Additive Technologies is a new technology company, manufacturing and promoting additives and services for the Construction, Oil, Road and Environmental industries (CORE). The company offers a unique solution to many of these industries’ requirements and problems. It manufactures tailor made chemical solutions and uses its technical experience and ability to manufacture bespoke products.

Without I2C’s unceasing support, expertise and state-of-the-art premises, we would not have progressed to this point so quickly. We had a great idea and knew it had commercial potential but I2C has enabled us to realise that potential and develop it still further. We have even taken on two new members of staff as a result of our rapid growth.

Northwest Human Milk Bank

The Northwest Human Milk Bank is the largest human milk bank in the UK and has processed over 8000 litres of milk since they launched in 2014.

We have grown as a business and NoWFOOD supported us with moving into a more clinical and suitable operations room. The transition was smooth due to the great support from the NoWFOOD team.

Africa Al's Handmade African Sauces

Africa Al’s Handmade African Sauces was founded by budding entrepreneur Alex Anyakwo who teamed up with wife, Lorraine, to create a range of cooking sauces and dips inspired by African flavours.

The Cheshire Garden

The Cheshire Garden is a landscape design practice which offers bespoke design ideas to enable you to transform your dream garden into a reality.

Byotrol

Byotrol is dedicated to improving lives around the world by developing and commercialising market-leading, anti-microbial technologies and products.

Spread-A-Bale

Specialising in the production of simple and efficient machines for the purpose of spreading bedding straw, Spread-a-Bale offers a unique operation for a comprehensive range of livestock farmers beef, dairy, sheep, pig and poultry.

Jeffrey's Tonic

Jeffrey’s Tonic is a Cheshire based business specialising in the production of non-alcoholic tonic syrups made from natural herbs and spices, with no artificial colours or flavours.

Chilli Gourmets

Chilli Gourmets is a unique food business specialising in the production of a wide range of chilli peppers, with various levels of spice. All chillies are grown by founder Jane Fern, before being used by Jane to prepare handmade chilli products that enhance the flavour of any meal

Cheshire Digital Skills Academy

Cheshire Digital Skills Academy offers digital training solutions tailored to the specific needs of each of their clients.

BakerRisk

BakerRisk is an internationally recognized firm dedicated to helping predict, prevent, and mitigate hazards from explosions, fires, and toxic releases.

EpiValence Limited

Chemicals and how they are safely managed and manufactured is an important process marked with so much emphasis on keeping a green environment for future generations.

Big Heritage

Big Heritage is an award-winning not-for-profit company specialising in heritage and education.

Altimex Ltd and MJ Lighting

A specialist supplier of electronic manufacturing services, Altimex Ltd is experienced, capable and happy to take on one-off bespoke projects as well as large-scale high volume roll outs.

Sweet Nothings Snacks Ltd

With 100 percent natural ingredients, food business Sweet Nothings Snacks Ltd has seen a 100 percent increase in turnover, thanks to a support package which is unique to Cheshire.

Autichem Ltd

Autichem Ltd specialise in designing and manufacturing new equipment and processes for the pharmaceutical, fine chemical and energy sectors.

Maths of the Day

A former teacher has kicked off his business with a major success and support from the Cheshire and Warrington Business Growth Programme.

Blue Sky Bio

When energy-tech entrepreneur Nick Bartlett set up Blue Sky Bio to help create a zero-carbon world, he had no idea the University of Chester would help him grow his business so quickly.

The Literacy Company

The Literacy Company works closely with schools to improve standards in English and to enhance the curriculum.

Just Thai Kitchen

Just Thai Kitchen is a Cheshire based business that specialises in creating authentic Thai ready meals. The company was founded by mother and son duo Nooch and Miles.

MDecon

MDecon develops innovative solutions to waste management challenges and has been present at Thornton since the opening of the business incubation unit in July 2015.

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