Case Studies in Innovation and Development with IIS

WS Westin Ltd – Achieving 40% Sales Growth in One Year

WS Westin Ltd manufactures high-performance extraction systems for the prestige domestic kitchen market. In late 2009, IIS helped the company to introduce a structured innovation programme.

Initial research identified several growth markets and product opportunities. This led to the design and development of a new range of extraction products. New marketing and promotions literature launched the new range and quickly achieved market success. Sales increased 40% by the end of 2010, repaying the innovation costs and adding substantially to the Company’s bottom line.

John Reed, Managing Director reported “We started working with IIS in June 2009 and sales growth at WS Westin was 40% in 2009 – 2010”.

Key Innovation Activities

Market and product research; product innovation; design; marketing communications.

Barkston Plastics Ltd – Developing an In-House Innovation Team

Website: www.barkstonltd.co.uk

Barkston Plastics Ltd took advantage of a MAS Grant to develop an internal team experienced in driving a systematic approach to innovation. The objective: to develop a range of competitive and profitable products and services that would grow the Company. The team underwent extensive training by IIS in how to manage the innovation process, skills that benefit the Company today and for many years to come.

As a direct result of the innovation process a new service was introduced in early 2010. This has now increased overall sales by 20% and is projected to increase further.

Key Innovation Activities

Innovation training; strategy development; audit; technology search and watch; technology transfer.

Tinsley Bridge Group – Turning a Loss into a Substantial Profit

Tinsley Bridge Group, manufacturers of automotive components, suffered a substantial loss in 2008, due to a downturn in their markets. With the help of IIS they quickly identified new products for alternative growth markets. Through the introduction of new technologies, the Company has now diversified into new market sectors including defence, site services and fabrication.

Managing Director, Mark Webber reported, “Since working with IIS our situation has completely turned around. A £150k loss is now a £1.4 million profit.”

Key Innovation Activities

Audit and benchmarking, strategy development; market research; technology commercialisation system; technology.

ITI Energy Ltd

IIS assisted ITI Energy Limited to establish its business in Sheffield.

The Company manufactures advanced gasification (CHP) technology converting RDF into energy. The system is very efficient, with a small footprint and offers a return on investment within 4 years.

IIS provided independent engineering reports that validated the technology and its prospects enabling first round investment to take place. We assisted the Company in its fundraising activities and helped fund and develop new markets. The Company has a £50 million order book.