YFM Group invests in mobile technology software business Mobile Safety Solutions

An increasing number of mobile workers will be finding their lives easier by using software developed for PDAs and mobile phones following an investment in Mobile Safety Solutions by YFM Group managed Yorkshire & Humber Equity Fund (YHEF).

Wetherby based Mobile Safety Solutions which was formed in 2006 by Directors Brian Alsford, Tony Preston and Nick Barr has quickly established itself as a leading innovator in the provision of web-based application software for mobile workers.

The mobile workers using the software are typically inspectors or surveyors who need to record data whilst on site and benefit from the advantages which are provided by the real time capture and processing of the information.

The investment from the YHEF has come at a time when the company is looking to expand rapidly taking advantage of the growing order book and new customer relationships.

Paul Betts, Investment Manager YHEF, saw the potential of the product and its niche in the market. He commented "Since our first introduction to the business we have been very impressed with the product offering developed by Mobile Safety Solutions. This product allows customers to harness mobile technology to create greater efficiencies within their business. The return on investment provided to customers makes a compelling case for use of the software."

Originally developed for the Health & Safety market, one of the first customers was Faithful + Gould, a global consultancy business, which rapidly rolled it out to its UK commissions. The software allows inspectors to carry out more efficient on site work and also allows instant report generation saving both on time and cost.

The business is also experiencing significant growth in other areas, particularly construction and property where the software can be applied to other survey and project management applications. The Company expects to announce some significant new customers in the commercial property, logistics and manufacturing sectors over the next few weeks.

Director, Brian Alsford commented "We have developed a proven proposition which is providing our customers with real cost savings and significant working efficiencies. Our software has many applications beyond Health & Safety and increasingly our customers are expanding its use to different areas within their businesses. We are very pleased to have secured an investment from YFM and we are glad that we now have a funding partner on board who understands the market opportunity and can help us to achieve our plans for expansion."

Connect Yorkshires 2007 Investment Forum presenters Syphan Technologies- has recently received £250,000 investment from YFM Group managed Yorkshire & Humber Equity Fund (YHEF).

This Skipton based company which specialises in producing innovative internet security software has developed the highest performance network security appliances in the industry - which runs ten times faster than the usual bandwidth and can detect parts of viruses previously not detected.

The company provides the software to businesses and service providers, to protect their networks and when launched will be the first in the world to provide intrusion protection, content monitoring and data leakage prevention at line-rate 10 Gb/s.

Prior to this in 2006 Syphan Technologies were awarded a research grant by Yorkshire Forward. This grant was used for research which made it possible for them to conduct research to confirm that their concepts could be brought to market.

In 2007 Syphan were developing this hardware-based product that combines multiple security functions at low latency and high-speed so as to secure high-speed transmission links. At this time they were based in Barrow Haven with a small team of experienced engineers and business managers. This team successfully demonstrated its technology later that year.

As a result of the YHEF investment Syphan have completed their first product design, improve manufacturing processes and improve its engineering and commercial operations in readiness for its initial product launch later this year.

Chief executive Pravin Mirchandani said: "The amateur hacker has been supplanted by the professional criminal. As a result, today's businesses face threats that involve fraud, identity theft and illegal access. This changed threat model requires a radically different solution to cope with the stealth-based attacks of the modern-day hacker-criminal.
"YHEF understood our proposition from day one, did the research to understand the nature and size of the opportunity and then demonstrated the backing and flexibility to make sure we could go forward."

A new device to dispose of clinical fluids in operating theatres looks set to reduce the risk of infection and save the NHS millions of pounds, thanks to the medical physics team at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (STH).

The Fluid Disposal System, designed by the medical physics team alongside clinical staff at STH, came about after current methods for fluid disposal in hospitals were assessed to see how they could be improved.

It is estimated that NHS Trusts generate 193,000 tonnes of clinical waste every year; including blood, human tissue and drugs. It is therefore vital that healthcare environments dispose of this waste in the most efficient and effective way possible.

This resulted in the creation of an innovative system capable of potentially saving the NHS £30 million in five years in Urology departments alone; as well as benefiting staff working practices and the environment.

Existing fluid disposal methods often see waste going into plastic containers and taken to landfill. As well as being costly, this method often sees theatre technicians having to lift heavy containers, with the potential for cross-contamination through leakage when lifted.

Clinical staff at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals wanted to remove these issues and developed a system which sees waste go down a drain rather than into landfill.

The new system, which has the potential to be transferred into different disciplines - for example in orthopaedics - has already proven itself at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals with regards to its great benefits.

Marion Hill, Sister in Urology at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield and who was involved in the creation of the new system, said: "The old system meant we had to spend a lot of money on consumables such as containers and bins and for the waste to be taken away. However with this new system, the fluid goes straight into the sewage system to bypass a lot of monetary and environmental wastage. This has saved us about £30,000 over a year for just two urology theatres."

John Wilson, Clinical Technologist involved in the creation of the new system as part of the medical physics team, said: "I would like this system to be a winner. It not only saves lifting and handling which prevents staff injury; but ultimately will save the hospital thousands of pounds."

Medipex, the NHS Innovation Hub for the Yorkshire and Humber region are now looking for a company help commercialise the device so that its benefits can be utilised across the whole of the NHS.

Medipex Ltd is the NHS Innovation Hub for the Yorkshire and Humber region. It is one of a national network of NHS innovation hubs that manage and exploit Intellectual Property (IP) emanating from within the NHS including Primary Care Trusts (PCTs).

For more information please contact Dr. Chris Herbert, Business Development Manager at Medipex by e-mail at chris.herbert@medipex.co.uk or by telephone on 0113 344 3853.

>>Useful Links

www.medipex.co.uk

>>Located at:

Medipex Ltd
Leeds Innovation Centre
103 Clarendon Road
Leeds LS2 9DF
Tel: 0113 344 3851
www.medipex.co.uk

The starship Enterprise opens doors to entrepreneurs across region

Connect Yorkshire is seeking the next big business ideas for its annual £1 million Inv£storQuest business challenge. They are offering aspiring entrepreneurs the opportunity to boldly go and pitch their idea to a panel of investors 'Dragons' Den style'.

Inv£storQuest brings to the fore the entrepreneurial spirit of people keen to make their business ideas a commercial success, supported with possible funding from a group of four Yorkshire-based venture capital funds including, The Viking Fund, YFM Group and Enterprise Ventures Ltd. Previous entrants have secured over £1.5M of investment over the past two years, which proves it's worth being bold and having a go.

The selected finalists will have the chance to present their business proposition at Connect Yorkshire's Inv£storQuest Red Carpet Day which takes place on 18th September in Leeds.

All applicants to Inv£storQuest will receive valuable practical feedback on their business ideas to ensure they know how to attract an investor. Those who are successful and progress to the Red Carpet Day will receive free support and advice in honing their pitch from the Inv£storQuest sponsors prior to the critical first meeting with the investors.

One of last years finalists David Worrall of Data Equations said "It was incredibly useful to polish up and focus on the company's business plan and the feedback we received from the mentors and judges has been excellent. All rounded off by winning one of the £1000 prizes!"

Companies need to put their business idea forward by 29th August by completing the application form on Connect Yorkshire's website: http://www.connectyorkshire.org. An 'early-bird' prize draw incentive is available for those who enter before this date; one person has the chance to win a two-day business training course worth over £600.

Four of the finalists will also win a consultancy support package to the value of £1000 from one of Inv£storQuest sponsors; Murgitroyd & Company, Ashton Morton Slack and Winburn Glass Norfolk a group of business professionals with specialties in; patents, trademarks and accountancy.

Nick Butler, executive director, Connect Yorkshire, said: "Connect Yorkshire's £1 million Inv£storQuest challenge is a chance for any budding entrepreneur to make their bright idea a reality. We look forward to receiving entries from some of the regions most inspired inventors and early-stage businesses."

Latest News

NHS device set to 'clean up' in the operating theatre

The NHS is set to save millions of pounds, thanks to the medical physics team at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (STH). To read more click here

The starship Enterprise opens doors to entrepreneurs across region

Connect Yorkshire is seeking the next big business ideas for its annual £1 million Inv£storQuest business challenge. They are offering aspiring entrepreneurs the opportunity to boldly go and pitch their idea to a panel of investors'Dragons' Den style'. Read more

A friend in need - how one company is making independent travel safer

Connects Investment Forum presenter Sally Broom of YourSafePlanet shares her experiences with TheBusinessDesk. To find out more click here

Syphan Secures Funding For Security Software

Connect Yorkshires 2007 Investment Forum presenters Syphan Technologies- has recently received £250,000 investment click here

The Latest from MyDealMaker

MyDealMaker, the perfect connection- bringing entrepreneurs and investors together, now has over sixty FSA registered investors and over three hundred entrepreneurs registered as users.

Question: Company Profiles - Who can see what? Answer: Entrepreneurs - Can only view limited information on your company profiles such as the first paragraph on profile summary. Investors - Only approved investors are allowed to view your full company profile. Click here to find out more...

Best of the Connect Blog

Making Your Own Luck

Should a failed entrepreneur be given a second chance? The argument goes that you learn valuable lessons from failure, so you should be more likely to succeed second time around. Click here to read more...

Academic Commercialisation: The Third Way?

In an earlier post, Fail Fast Fail Early, focused on healthcare companies optimising their pipeline development, I asked whether there was a better way of commercialising medicines. Well GSK and Cambridge University have Find out more

Selling Equity: The First Resort

Selling equity in your business is hard, expensive and like oil, it's not a renewable resource. If you have any other easier or cheap alternative source of financing your business you should take it, but equally if you don't, do you really want to miss out on realising your dreams by preciously holding on to it - which is what far too many people do. Click here

Fifteen businesses have been selected from across the UK to go through to the next round of judging in the Most Promising New Business category of the British Small Business Champions (BSBC) 2008.

This is a new category in the British Small Business Champions; its aim is to highlight the endeavours and achievements of the 500,000 plus people who start their own business each year. The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), which organises the British Small Business Champions, sees this as a way of supporting and applauding the efforts of the up-and-coming generation of small businesses.

Coincidently, in these fifteen there are two breweries; two women's fashion businesses; two alternative energy suppliers and two food companies.

The short listed businesses are:
Prospect Brewery, Wigan.
Brewdog Ltd. Fraserburgh, Aberdeen
My Secret Kitchen Ltd. Ashton Keynes, Wilts.
The Farmshed Ltd. Wigan
KarenB, Dundee.
Too True, Ballymena, Co. Antrim
Photon Energy Ltd. Reading.
Global Energy Direct Ltd. Wimborne, Dorset
R.C. Burniston, Boroughbridge, York.
One Devonshire Place, Birmingham
Right Angle Events, Norwich.
Barbeskew Company Ltd. Brighton
Wolfestone Translation Ltd. Swansea.
Whitstone Village Stores, Holsworthy, Devon
Rent 'A' Bod, Liverpool


From these fifteen businesses, six will be chosen to go before the team of BSBC national judges, who will decide which one of them should be selected as The Most Promising New Business 2008. This will be announced at the BSBC national awards evening at Claridges on 21 November.

As well as pride, prestige, publicity and profile raising, the winner will receive £1,000 to spend in a way that will benefit their business, and a splendid trophy. They will also be provided with the artwork showing their title, to use on their business stationery, publicity materials etc.

To qualify the businesses must have been started after November 2006. The BSBC judges are seeking businesses that demonstrate viability and potential. They will also be looking at the personal qualities of the entrants including the ability to develop an owner-led business.

The Most Promising New Business 2008 is sponsored by AIMs Accountants for Business, the largest independent association of professionally qualified accountants across the UK, specialising in the accountancy needs of local smaller and independent businesses. Managing Director, Henry Ejdelbaum who is a national judge for BSBC 2008 said:

"As specialist small business accountants it seems only natural for us to support the FSB and this award in its BSBC 2008. It is these businesses, which represent the future of the small businesses in our country. The entrepreneurial spirit is integral to the UK economy and we believe it is essential to encourage, acknowledge and reward its successes.

"AIMs believes that an accountant should be an asset to a business - not just there to do the maths and bean count, but to help with sound business advice at every stage. We have many businesses which we have worked with since they began."

BSBC were founded in 2002 by the FSB. It is the only national awards scheme solely for small businesses. Its aims are to celebrate the achievements of and gain recognition for the UK's small businesses. There are 4.3 million of them in the UK, contributing over 50% to its GDP and 97% of UK businesses employ less than 20 people.


Media enquiries: Gillian Winstone 01453 753639 / 07920846694 / gillianwinstone@btinternet.com

30th July 2008
By Anastasia Weiner - The BusinessDesk.com Business Correspondent

MILLIONS of people go on them, a whole industry has been founded on them, and hundreds of thousands of people make a living from them.

Package holidays - cheap, cheerful and of course a British invention. They offer the chance for those on even the lowest incomes to go abroad, comfortable in the knowledge that there won't be any unexpected costs or surprises.

But it seems as if many of us are falling out of love with the package holiday. Just as our lives have become more crowded so too have our favourite beaches, resorts and destinations. Getting away from it all - well it's just not the same anymore.

The antidote it seems is a more adult version of backpacking or independent travel as it's known in the business. Holidaymakers literally pick a country, the number of days they want to spend in it and jet off to tread the unbeaten track. It sounds idyllic but for those that do journey away from the crowds and into the unknown there are risks. For every risk and eventuality that can be planned for there are many that can't.

Which is why Sally Broom created Yoursafeplanet.co.uk (YSP) - a Leeds-based online business that pairs travellers up with a "friend" indigenous to the country being travelled to. The fully vetted and approved "friend" then gives travellers the low-down on everything from places to avoid, local information such as taxi strikes, and recommendations on hidden treasures to explore.

As well as helping independent travellers, YSP is increasingly being used by companies for employee relocation and by others who are sending employees overseas. Recently Channel 4 used YSP for a programme series being filmed in Rwanda.

It works a bit like a club with a one-off £45 payment per country that gives unlimited access to a truly global "friends" network. But that's not all. Travellers are also able to take part in volunteering initiatives in the country of their choice - whether it be for three days or their whole holiday - as the "friends" are all linked to on the ground non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Unlike most volunteering holidays where holidaymakers can pay anything up to £2,000 and have a one to three month sabbatical approved by employers to take part, travellers can choose their level of participation and the time they have to spare. It's a concept that according to Broom is proving more and more popular.

"There is a growing number of 30-somethings that want to take a sabbatical from their careers but don't want to go for a gap year," she says.

"Likewise, employers are giving staff opportunities to take time out as part of their corporate responsibility programmes, but don't necessarily want to lose their employee for a full 12 months.

"Every friend is linked or works for a charity or conservation project local to them so can arrange for visitors to do some volunteering. The charities are local to the area so visitors can help in the knowledge that they are really making a difference to the place they're visiting."

Indeed, the business professionals sector is one of YSP's key demographics - the other being the Saga generation (50+). It is a bit of a turnaround for a firm that originally had its market down as gap year backpackers and students.

"When we originally came up with the idea we thought our target audience would be students out on a gap year," Broom explains.

"We thought that the YSP pass would be bought by parents as an assurance that their son or daughters would be safe when travelling the world. However, increasingly it's been professionals and older people looking to get off the beaten track. Many of them have never travelled independently before so don't necessarily have the confidence of someone who has."

It was Broom's own experiences while travelling that helped her come up with the idea for YSP while she was still at university. Despite her years spent in international schools (her father is an international businessman she explains) it was luck more than planning that prevented her and her boyfriend from getting into any serious scrapes as they toured the world.

"We got into a bit of trouble with some border guards," she confesses.

"They wanted to get money off us and wouldn't let us free. Luckily, I managed to get someone to persuade them to let us cross but it wasn't a nice situation. It even made The Times!

"When we got back we thought there must be a way of making travelling safer. I had a wide number of contacts as a result of living abroad for so many years so I came up with the YSP concept."

It was while Broom was studying for her finals that she brought the concept together and shortly after graduating launched YSP.

"I knew we had something unique," she says.

"Although some of the bigger companies were trying to do something similar it wasn't anything like as personal or local as YSP. All contacts have had police checks conducted, and personal and professional references scrutinised. New friends usually are appointed as direct recommendations of existing ones."

Since its launch 18 months ago, promotion of YSP's unique service has been word of mouth and editorial. But Broom is planning a major marketing push that will put YSP firmly in the spotlight. She has just attended a Connect Yorkshire investment forum, which has provoked the interest of two potential investors, and is hoping to further develop YSP's online presence through sophisticated search engine optimisation and web design.

But it's not just safe travelling or volunteering opportunities that Broom is keen to promote. Responsible travel has become a bit of a buzz-word, but the human science graduate is committed to promoting sustainability.

"It's all about respect," she explains.

"In the UK we are so used to a small choice that we don't question that there could be a better way of going on holiday. We hope to change that."

For further details regarding the above article visit www.thebusinessdesk.com

By Anastasia Weiner - Business Correspondent of TheBusinessDesk.com

SALLY Broom is founder of Your Safe Planet - an ethical website dedicated to matching travellers with "friends" overseas to help them truly enjoy their holidays or take part in volunteering projects off the beaten track. Here she talks about her passion for sustainable travel and why she doesn't regret giving up a career in law.

What aspects of your job/profession do you enjoy the most?
The flexibility of working for myself allows me to work when and how I want and push for top results. My profession in the ethical travel sector means I'm always meeting amazing people and I am continually inspired by the projects I encounter.

What key challenges do you anticipate will affect your sector/profession over the next six months?
The travel industry is affected in different ways during times of economic downturn. Some market research indicates that holidays are the last things to go in the household spend but other researchers suggest the opposite. Either way, changes are afoot. Many holidaymakers are going further afield to avoid the strong Euro while others are holidaying closer to home. Furthermore travellers are demanding more bespoke holidays as they have the ability to package their own trip online. This requires the traditional operators to amend their offering but such trends are fantastic for Your Safe Planet. We actively encourage people to travel occasionally long haul, thereby supporting developing tourism industries worldwide, then more frequently holiday closer to home and travel overland, reducing their overall carbon footprint.

What key skills do you think every entrepreneur should have?
Passion, arrogance and a highly motivated work ethic. Passion because it infects others and brings people on side with you; arrogance because when you're faced with disbelievers you have to be arrogant enough not to take it to heart and retain faith in your idea; and work ethic because no one else is going to get you out of bed in the morning, do the jobs you don't want to do and drive the concept forward - that's the hardest thing about working for yourself.

Why do you think Yorkshire is a good place to start up/operate a business?
I have run the company from different parts of the UK (and world!) but have been amazed by the fantastic support available in Yorkshire for technology start ups. My business mentor, Colin Glass, has introduced me to Connect Yorkshire and all the events they organise, which have allowed me to grow my business and improve my skills. Through these I have met many influential business people all based here in Yorkshire who are keen to support start ups in the area and share their expertise and experience.

If you could improve anything in the region what would it be?
I think there should be more relaxed networking, not just business networking. Some of the best contacts to be made come from sociable gatherings and there should be more effort put into networking events without an agenda.

Do you think that red tape is hindering business growth in the UK?
In some ways I agree. I don't think the UK can still claim to be the same world leading location from which to run a business as it was perhaps 10 years ago. The amount of regulation and administrative amendments, not least in HR and Health and Safety, have had a significant impact on that profile. There is some disagreement about the necessary evil that is Carbon Trading and taxation but I do think it is just that - a necessary evil that, admittedly, will not be welcomed in the short term but may just give the UK the edge in the future with the development of clean technologies.

What is the best piece of advice you've ever been given?
Go with your gut feeling. Go against it and 99% of the time you'll be wrong. Go with it and 99% of the time you'll be right. That's advice has got me through some of the most difficult decisions I have had to make.

And the worst?
Do market research and base all your decisions on the results. Complete rubbish. Market research is vital in developing a business idea and gaining insight into the proposition, but is only one step in the process. If you're doing something completely new then experience is ultimately the only way to find out whether it will work or not and you have to take the plunge.

What barriers have you had to overcome in growing your business/developing your career, and if any, can you explain how you overcame them.
The industry in which my business competes is male driven and fairly archaic. I have found it a tough arena and not particularly receptive to new ideas. It does affect the way people treat me but most importantly it affects the position of Your Safe Planet. To do anything new in this industry you have to be willing to battle to your wits end and take on a large number of conservative-minded people. Other more personal barriers I have face are personal. I have always worked hard but now the hard work does not mean instant results and you have to continually coach yourself to look to the long term benefits, which can be difficult when your peers are in normal jobs and earning a very nice salary!

What was your first job and what did you spend your first wage packet on?
A pub waitress and I spent my wages on a day out shopping with my friends. It was completely liberating and from then on I never went a week without a job. That was 11 years ago.

If you could choose to start your career over again would you do anything different and if so what?
I would always choose to start a business when I did as the experience is invaluable and it has been an amazing adventure. I would also love to go into law, which was my long term plan prior to Your Safe Planet, but you can do all these things later in life. For me, starting a business was a case of now or never and was the best decision I ever made.

Latest News

Connect Inv£storQuest £1M Challenge

The starship Enterprise has now opened it's doors-entrepreneurs with bright ideas and need initial funding enter the 2008 Inv£storQuest challenge. Apply before the 15th August and be entered into a prize draw where you have the chance to win a two day business training course worth over £600. Go online or fill in an application form today!

Syntopix signs agreement with P&G

Syntopix Group plc (AIM: SYN) the speciality pharmaceutical research and development company focused on dermatological diseases, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a joint development agreement with Procter & Gamble the world's largest consumer goods product company. Click here

Reward for Arthritis Research

AN academic from Kazakhstan Dr. Olga Kubassova whose research could ease the pain of millions of arthritis sufferers has been voted Yorkshire's top scientific entrepreneur. Click here

Research Boosted By Funding

A £570,000 investment has been made in a University of York spin-out company to help develop its research to detect lung cancer and provide a targeted route for treatment for thousands of sufferers. Much of the investment comes from White Rose Technology Seedcorn Fund and Yorkshire Cancer Research click here

The Latest from MyDealMaker

Q: Can anyone register as an Investor?

A: No! You need to be FSA registered

MyDealMaker, the perfect connection- bringing entrepreneurs and investors together, now has over sixty FSA registered investors and over three hundred entrepreneurs registered as users. Over one hundred company profiles have been uploaded and in excess of seventy investment opportunities are now being viewed by investors. Click here to find out more...

Best of the Connect Blog

Gender-Based Finance

Budget 2008 introduces a package of measures to support small businesses access the finance and resources they need to start up and grow. What caught my eye was the announcement of a new £12.5M capital fund to invest in businesses started by women. Click here to read more...

New Beginnings

Seven of Yorkshire's most innovative companies were recognised for their enterprise at the Innovator/08 awards. Former politician Michael Portillo hosted the evening and presented the winners with their awards. Medipex took the Innovation Champion Award sponsored by Connect Yorkshire.
Click here to read more...

Anarchy vs. Organisation

Mary Walshock, the founder of Connect San Diego, argues that an innovation ecosystem should be more like a rainforest than a plantation. We want to encourage cross fertilisation, experimentation and, yes, endure some failure if we are to find a new species of business that can thrive by doing things and solving problems in new, improved ways. Click here to read more....

WHITE ROSE TECHNOLOGY SEEDCORN FUND

YORKSHIRE LUNG CANCER RESEARCH BOOSTED BY FUNDING

A £570,000 investment has been made in a University of York spin-out company to help develop its research to detect lung cancer and provide a targeted route for treatment for thousands of sufferers.

Much of the investment comes from existing investors White Rose Technology Seedcorn Fund and Yorkshire Cancer Research (YCR). This will enable the Cizzle team, led by Dr Dawn Coverley, to develop its research based on the gene Ciz1 which appears to influence DNA replication and cell growth.

In the UK there are 33,000 deaths from lung cancer each year and it is the second most common form of cancer in the developed world. The new funding will be used to confirm that targeting a mutated version of Ciz1 will inhibit the growth of some types of lung tumours in disease models. Further studies will start to evaluate the usefulness of Ciz1 as a marker for diagnosing patients with the same type of lung cancer. The ultimate aim would be to identify patients with disease at an early stage and to treat them with more effective drugs that have fewer side effects.

Says Rod Adams, chairman of Cizzle Biotechnology, "The funding will help us make significant progress with the research to develop a diagnostic test and therapy to combat lung cancer. This will see us through the next two years of development and we hope will allow us to expand the team to around six employees, including the appointment of a business development manager to help explore opportunities with large pharmaceutical companies."

David Milroy of Aberdeen Asset Managers who manage the White Rose Technology Seedcorn Fund says, "We are delighted with Cizzle's progress to date and believe the company has robust plans for validating its therapeutic strategy. The recently initiated development programme will provide key data for partnering discussions and will bring the company a step closer to providing an alternative for what is a poorly diagnosed and treated form of cancer."

- ENDS -

For further press information, please contact:

Monica Green or Caroline Jefferson
The Partners Group
105 The Mount
York
YO24 1GY

Tel: 01904 610077
Fax: 01904 641646
Email: monica@partners-group.co.uk

About White Rose Technology Seedcorn Fund
The White Rose Technology Seedcorn Fund is an early stage seedcorn fund, which invests in exciting new technology emerging from the universities of York, Leeds and Sheffield.

The £9 million Fund provides venture capital funding of up to £500,000 (and above for exceptional opportunities) to enable the transition from promising research work to commercial reality.

Its portfolio of investee companies represents the commercialisation of high quality science and technology combined with professional management teams to produce investor-ready and partner-ready opportunities. The Fund is supported by Yorkshire Forward and the Universities of York, Leeds and Sheffield, and managed by Aberdeen Asset Managers.

About YCR

Yorkshire Cancer Research (YCR) was founded in 1925 to fund research into the cause and cure of a variety of cancers.

YCR is the UK's largest regional medical research charity, which funds research every year in the region's five centres of research excellence at the Universities of Bradford, Hull, Leeds, Sheffield and York... and their associated teaching hospitals.

Developed in conjunction with the University of Bradford’s School of Health Studies, the system mechanically lifts and supports the patient’s leg; allowing the medical professional to safely carry out a variety of clinical procedures with reduced risk of experiencing the muscle strain often caused by repeated manual lifting. Supporting the leg via a simple interface with the stand are two types of sling - the choice of which varies according to end use.

The first sling is a disposable product with high strength to ensure good patient comfort. It is designed to provide support at either the thigh or the heel for specific applications such as plaster room or in theatre and is available in both sterile and non-sterile versions. The alternative product is designed to provide full support along both the thigh and calf. It is light-weight, resistant to chlorine-based cleaning agents and has a wipe down surface. Use of this two-part sling (which is designed for single-patient use) may also help to increase patient recovery rate as range of movement can be maintained at the hip, hyperextension at the knee joint is avoided, and there is no increase in pressure at the back of the calf or heel.

The suspension stand is capable of working equally well as a stand alone product for use in the suspension of drips and monitors above or close to the patient and has a small foot print; allowing for flexibility of use.

Sue Barton, creator of the leg support system and Risk Management Facilitator and Educator at the University of Bradford’s School of Health Studies, said:

“Studies that we have conducted at the University of Bradford show that the use of a mechanical device to lift and support the leg, significantly lowers the amount of ‘work done’ by the muscles in the lower back and thereby reducing the risk” “We invented this support system not only to improve the working practice of health professionals involved in lifting and supporting a leg; but to allow the patient’s leg to be held in a position of comfort - thereby delivering quality patient care.”

Syntopix signs Joint Development Agreement with Procter & Gamble

Syntopix Group plc (AIM: SYN) the speciality pharmaceutical research and development company focused on dermatological diseases, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a joint development agreement with Procter & Gamble, the world’s largest consumer goods product company.

Under the terms of the agreement, Syntopix and Procter & Gamble will investigate the use of Syntopix’ novel antimicrobial technology, with the objective of improving the efficacy of one of Procter & Gamble’s major consumer healthcare brands.

Financial details of the agreement are confidential though Procter & Gamble will have the opportunity to commercialise the Syntopix technology developed under the joint development agreement.

This latest agreement emphasises; the Syntopix’ strategy of leveraging its compound library and intellectual assets into markets outside of dermatological disease and into broader consumer healthcare markets. This agreement follows an agreement announced in December 2007 with another major consumer healthcare company.

Dr Stephen Jones, Syntopix’ Chief Executive Officer, commented:  “I am delighted that Syntopix has entered into this joint development agreement with Procter & Gamble, the world’s largest consumer goods product company. We believe that Syntopix’ antimicrobial technology has the potential to improve the effectiveness of consumer healthcare brands and it is particularly pleasing to sign this agreement with a company such as Procter & Gamble.

“This agreement validates our strategy of broadening the number of potential markets available to the antimicrobial expertise of Syntopix to include consumer healthcare, as well as the over the counter and prescription markets associated with treating dermatological conditions.”

About Syntopix Group plc
Syntopix is a group focused on the discovery and development of drugs for the topical treatment of dermatological diseases. The company was founded in 2003 as a spin-out from the University of Leeds by Dr Jon Cove and Dr Anne Eady, two of the leading experts in skin microbiology, with initial funding from The Wellcome Trust.

Syntopix’ strategy is to seek to reduce the risks and costs of drug discovery and development by discovering novel uses for known compounds. The company concentrates on compounds and combinations of compounds that have a history of use in man; and that have well characterised properties, for example antimicrobials and anti-inflammatories. The Group currently has 3 granted patents and 12 further pending patent applications.

Syntopix is currently concentrating on acne and Staphylococcus aureus infections and has identified a pipeline of lead drug candidates that it intends to take through pre-clinical and, as appropriate, clinical trials. The Group intends to out-license products to commercial partners on obtaining proof of principle and to seek co-development partnerships.

The Group is based at the Institute of Pharmaceutical Innovation in Bradford, giving access to the expertise in skin biology, formulation and toxicology at the universities of Bradford and Leeds.

Syntopix’ shareholders include Techtran Group Limited (a subsidiary of IP Group plc), The Wellcome Trust Limited, University of Leeds Limited and Ridings Early Growth Investment Company Limited.  Syntopix joined the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange in March 2006.

For further information please visit www.syntopix.com.

Reward for arthritis research

AN academic from Kazakhstan whose research could ease the pain of millions of arthritis sufferers has been voted Yorkshire's top scientific entrepreneur.

Dr. Olga Kubassova is devising a system that speeds up the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, a crippling condition that affects around two per cent of the world population.

Dr. Kubassova is the co-founder of Image Analysis Ltd (www.image-analysis.org), a Leeds-based company which produces software products for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) equipment. The software enables doctors to establish whether a patient is suffering from arthritis more quickly as well as allows fast and objective assessment of MRI datasets acquired from the patients. Dr. Kubassova, who was educated in Finland and Russia, came to Leeds as a PhD student in 2004.

She received the entrepreneur of the year award at Yorkshire Forward's fifth annual Yorkshire Bioscience Awards, which were held at the Thorpe Park Hotel in Leeds.

After receiving the award, she said: "I am so pleased to receive this award, which is very unexpected. We wouldn't be here without the help of the University of Leeds, Business Link and Yorkshire Forward; and all the people who have supported us through our first year."

The second award went to Tissue Regenix, a spin-out company from the University of Leeds, which is developing regenerative biological tissue grafts for use in areas such as vascular and orthopaedic medicine. Regenix won the young company of the year title in recognition of its rapid growth.

A Selby-based consultancy that specialises in conducting clinical research was awarded the prize for International Achievement in recognition of its work to increase its presence in the global healthcare market. Medvance has established a strong business base in US and Europe, with clients including Johnson and Johnson

Simcyp, a spin-out company from the University of Sheffield, which specialises simulating the way new drugs are absorbed and react within the body - a vital element of drug development - received the recognition of advancement award.

Professor Keith Holland of the University of Leeds received a lifetime achievement award in recognition of his career in bioscience, which spans five decades.

Sir Michael Arthur, member of the Yorkshire Forward board and Vice Chancellor of the University of Leeds, said: "Yorkshire and the Humber has one of the highest concentrations of healthcare technology companies in the UK, and much of the pioneering work in bioscience, medical devices and pharmaceuticals is coming from our regional universities."

Published Date: 28 June 2008, Yorkshire Post
By Greg Wright Deputy Business Editor
Caption: Dr. Olga Kubassova with Prof Michael Arthur of Leeds University, left, and Lord Robert Winston at the awards ceremony

Entrepreneurial forwards move up a division

Connect Yorkshire hosted its thirteenth successful Investment Forum (18th June) at Leeds United with a record number of attendees and a live debate.

The event, sponsored by Business Link Yorkshire, saw the cream of the technology sector rubbing shoulders with industry leaders, regional businesses, and high profile investors.

Connect held its Investment Forum in the morning session, with eight emerging technology companies pitching their business plans to an Investment Panel and an audience consisting of investors, entrepreneurs, Connect sponsor and partners from around the region.

The panel, comprising Ajaz Ahmed-Founder of Freeserve, Andrew Burton, Managing Director of Inkopo Ltd and Jane Reoch, Senior Analyst at Bank of Scotland Equity introduced each company and grilled them after their presentations to find out how sound an investment their ventures were.

Following their presentation SurfaceSkins urged attendees to visit the toilet, and had ingeniously planted their antibacterial door handle cover on the men's toilet doors at the event to demonstrate how their product works in the real world. This retro fit antibacterial push plates and door handle cover prevents the spread of infection.

Participating companies included Industrial Wastewater Treatment who are industrial water solutions providers specialising in bio-augmentation and bio-remediation-they sought £1.75 million of investment.

Other companies seeking investment included Safeguard Biosystems, Your Safe Planet, Kaos, Kirkstall, EV Medical Screening and Save9. A captivated audience listened intently to hear them deliver their propositions and showcase their products.

Investor Tony Bray who attended the event commented, ''Yesterday's event was great. I'm looking to meet up with one of the presenting companies in the next couple of weeks and another one later this year.''

The Forum was followed by Connect's live technology debate - TechTalk 2008. This afternoon session saw four leaders in the technology field debate 'Think Innovatively to achieve success', Deirdre Bounds founder of i-to-I, Kevin Walsh of Kcom Group plc , Jonathan Straight of Straight plc and Neil Gaydon od Pace plc provided the audience with their views and experiences.

TechTalk was held in association with TheBusinessDesk.com and chaired by Founder and Editor David Parkin whose expertise at leading the discussion was there for all to see. For the attendees at this event, the speakers certainly kept their entrepreneurial enthusiasm topped up.

Connect's executive director Nick Butler said: "Companies at the Forum delivered interesting business propositions, and the event proved to be a resounding success. It proves that Yorkshire has a flourishing technology market, and we are very proud to be part of it.

We encourage people to attend our next Investment Forum in Sheffield on the 26th November".

For further information about Connect and its services, visit www.connectyorkshire.org

Entrepreneurs inspire success

TECHNOLOGY entrepreneurs and those looking to fund them heard from some of the region's most succesful business people at a Connect event held at Leeds United For the full story, click here...

Technology that doesn't cost the earth wins award

Following their success of this award, Slipstream show cased their proposition at Connect Yorkshire Investment Forum on 18th June. Find out more

BIONIQS secures funding to develop anti-malaria solvent

Connect Yorkshire is delighted that York-based company Bioniqs, a participant of Connects Yorkshire's Fast Invest Scheme have now secured £50,000 of investment. Read more here

Entrepreneurial forwards move up a division

Companies got the opportunity to pitch their plans to an Investment Panel and an audience consisting of investors, entrepreneurs, Connect sponsor and partners from around the region. click here to find out more...

Counting down the months to CONNECT NOVEMBER Investment Forum 2008

For EMERGING or established technology companies who want to meet investors and valuable information to grow-then this event is a must for you! Click here to find out more

The Latest from MyDealMaker

MyDealMaker, the perfect connection- bringing entrepreneurs and investors together, now has over sixty investors and over three hundred entrepreneurs registered as users. Over one hundred company profiles have been uploaded and in excess of seventy investment opportunities are now being viewed by investors. Click here to find out more...

Best of the Connect Blog

Small but Perfectly Formed

When I was in merger talks with a larger company (OK read takeover!) I commented to their CEO that they had muscles in placed we didn't even have places! When things get big, do they really need to become more complex or does it go with the territory? Click here to read more...

Does Cream Rise To The Top?

The Richard Report has a major theme that brokering 'something' is best achieved by the market deciding who or what is best using the 'wisdom of crowds' rather than the seal of approval of the broker. But is it that simple?. Click here to read more...

Anarchy vs. Organisation

Mary Walshock, the founder of Connect San Diego, argues that an innovation ecosystem should be more like a rainforest than a plantation. We want to encourage cross fertilisation, experimentation and, yes, endure some failure if we are to find a new species of business that can thrive by doing things and solving problems in new, improved ways. Click here to read more....

"TECHNOLOGY THAT DOESN'T COST THE EARTH WINS AWARD"

Connect Yorkshire is delighted Slipstream Energy the Leeds-based renewable energy company that develops wind turbines for the urban environment, has won national acclaim for its web site.

Following their success of this award, Slipstream show cased their proposition at Connect Yorkshire Investment Forum on 18th June. This was definitely one of many key features at this event and a talking point for both investors and entrepreneurs.

Winning one of the prestigious Big Chip awards, Slipstream Energy walked away with the title of "Big Green Chip" for the best application of digital technology which directly helps to preserve the environment. 

Working in conjunction with Bowers and Higgins Freelance, Slipstream Energy wanted a web site which conveyed the aesthetic design employed by the company in its products but that didn't compromise its green credentials.  By choosing to run the site on a 100% solar powered server based in California, Slipstream ensures that it is helping to alleviate the growing problem of server energy usage.
Carbon emissions from electricity used to supply internet and network servers is a significant problem, with emission levels of 1 billion tones of C02 per annum being the same as those produced by the aviation industry.

Presenting the award a panelist said, "The winner here used a brilliantly simple idea, which the web site for a company manufacturing wind turbines should itself run on renewable energy. Not only has this strengthened Slipstream's brand but has also highlighted the potential for the digital industry to take action about its growing carbon footprint."

Director and co-founder of Slipstream Energy Mike Roberts said, "We are delighted to have gained recognition for both our design and commitment to green energy from the top awards for ICT and new media outside of London. As a new company this is a welcome boost and confirmation that taking action against the carbon footprint of your business is really quite simple".  

Mr Philip Wilson
Director
Slipstream Energy Ltd

T: 0113 815 0046
M: 0774 760 3058
E: pwilson@slipstreamenergy.com

Entrepreneurs inspire innovative success

TECHNOLOGY entrepreneurs and those looking to fund them heard from some of the region's most succesful business people at an event organised by Connect Yorkshire.

The organisation, which helps to promote and fast track Yorkshire technology and science enterprises, held its successful Investment Forum and TechTalk events at Leeds United's Elland Road stadium yesterday.

Those behind fledgling innovative businesses were able to present their ideas to funders such as banks and venture capitalists and then hear from a panel of successful entrepreneurs and executives including Neil Gaydon, the chief executive of TV set-top box maker Pace, Deirdre Bounds who founded gap year travel company i-to-i, Jonathan Straight of quoted recycling group Straight and Kevin Walsh, executive director of Hull-based telecoms group KCOM.

The panel discussed the theme of the event - How to think innovatively to achieve success.

TechTalk was held in association with TheBusinessDesk.com and chaired by Editor David Parkin.

Connect Yorkshire managing director Glen Hopkinson said: "A strong line-up of technology businesses were pitching for investment, either on stage or in the exhibition area and our aim is to link up these talented entrepreneurial forwards with the robust financial 'back four' they need to move up a division!

"Our goal is to engage with high-growth businesses every step of the way, develop community and provide more opportunity for them to access the financial resources and business skills they need to succeed.

"This has inspired the creation of our new MyDealMaker.co.uk web portal that enables young companies and aspiring entrepreneurs to profile themselves, share experiences and advertise their resource needs online," he added.

The Investment Forum also featured a panel discussion including Freeserve founder Ajaz Ahmed, Andrew Burton of the Viking Fund which backs technology businesses, and Jane Reoch of Bank of Scotland Corporate.

Connect Yorkshires next Investment Forum will be held on the 26th November at the Mercure Hotel, Sheffield

www.thebusinessdesk.com

BIONIQS SECURES FUNDING TO DEVELOP ANTI-MALARIA SOLVENT

Connect Yorkshire is delighted that York-based company Bioniqs, a participant of Connects Yorkshire's Fast Invest Scheme have now secured £50,000 of investment this month from Viking Fund to enable it to continue to fund its work with the anti-malaria drug artemisinin.

The investment by Viking Fund is in addition to an aggregate £150,000 investment from IP Group made since October 2007. Both the Viking Fund and the IP Group investments have been made by convertible loan.

Bioniqs, a spin-out company from the University of York, was established in 2004 to commercialise novel ionic liquids. These are fluids largely made up of electrically charged particles or ions. One application of this technology is bespoke solvents which are recyclable, biodegradable, have low toxicity and can be produced at low cost.

In March this year Bioniqs launched its 'solventS' service, a green solvent selection service with the objective of identifying and designing environmentally friendly solvents that have clear benefits over hazardous materials. The company is currently developing an ionic liquid which can be used to extract artemisinin, the drug used to treat malaria.

Malaria causes over one million deaths each year, with children being especially vulnerable to the disease. In Africa, Malaria is reported to kill one child in twenty before the age of five.1

Bioniqs' CEO Adam Walker said: "The investment from the Viking Fund and IP Group will allow us to demonstrate the artemisinin extraction process at scale and fulfil the commercial potential of our ionic liquid. This will be a significant milestone for Bioniqs and will help to improve the technical, economic and environmental performance of extracting artemisinin for anti-malaria drugs".

The company's latest rounds of investment were provided by one of Yorkshire's leading risk investors, Viking Fund, and IP Group plc, a company which specialises in commercialising intellectual property from universities.

Viking Fund's managing director Andrew Burton said: "The technology that Bioniqs is commercialising has clear environmental and cost benefits over traditional solvents, and it is now demonstrating a solution to one of the third-world's most dangerous diseases".

For further information please contact Amy Sutherland at Cicada Communications on 01423 567111 or email amy@cicada-comms.com.

GO-SIM in its second round

Connect Yorkshire were delighted that Yorkshire firm GO-SIM which provides pre-paid global SIM cards for international travellers from around the world has recently received it's second stage of investment; a further £250, 000. Having made a successful push into the US outbound traveller market, GO-SIM are now looking for distribution into Asia. With an exciting product development road map ahead, the future is very interesting indeed.

In November 2006, GO-SIM business proposition was to have their products used overseas and required extra financial backing. David Agar, chief executive of GO-SIM was an enthusiastic participant of Connect's Yorkshire Investor Readiness Programme.

Connect Yorkshire primes technology companies for investment. GO-SIM was one of the eight companies chosen to pitch their ideas at Connects bi-annual Investment Forum, where companies represent the very best of Yorkshire's emerging technology businesses. This Investment Forum is a one-day event that runs each year in June and November. It gives emerging technology companies from Yorkshire the opportunity to pitch their business to a group of potential investors.

David Agar, chief executive of GO-SIM commented: "Connect Yorkshires early involvement enabled us to meet key contacts that subsequently assisted in raising investment and I would highly recommend Connect's Investor Readiness Workshops and Investment Forums. Now in our second stage of investment we are set to become one of the leading providers of smart, low-cost international mobile solutions''.

During early 2005 GO-SIM was formed by the directors of Hirefone after recognizing an opportunity to address a significant target market whose needs could not easily be met by Hirefone - the international leisure traveler. As millions of travellers discover each year, the cost of using a mobile phone abroad can be over ten times the rate you would normally pay at home.

Customers face expensive charges when using mobile phones outside the UK due to costly roaming charges. The GO-SIM Global SIM works in 175 countries and unlike standard UK network providers, incoming calls and texts are free in many countries, enabling travellers to save up to 85% on the bill that would normally await them. To use GO-SIM, customers simply swap their existing SIM card with the GO-SIM Global SIM card each time they travel abroad.

Since the original investment by Yorkshire and Humber Equity Fund (YHEF), GO-SIM has increased human resources, developed new voice, messaging products and its customer base increased by 214%. Their client portfolio includes airport and airlines supplier, Alpha Retail, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, British Red Cross, Visa International and US-based retailer, Best Buy.

Connects executive director Nick Butler said: "The Investment Forum is a superb event that brings together the region's technology entrepreneurs and the key national players in the investment community. The Forum provides businesses such as GO-SIM the opportunity to network with investors ''.

Professor David Bellamy and James Fearnley, founder of Whitby-based Nature's Laboratory, have a modest aim - to change the direction of modern medicine.

Their pioneering campaign, championing the use of 'sustainable medicines', developed wholly from plants and bee by-products, receives its official launch on Sunday 1 June with the opening of Nature's Laboratory brand new 8000 ft² pharmaceutical standard 'Plant and Bee' manufacturing facility on the outskirts of the Yorkshire coastal town.

Nature's Laboratory and BeeVital, were established by James Fearnley in 2002 with the principal purpose of further exploring the many pharmacological and clinical properties of Propolis, a natural antibiotic substance produced by bees.

'The Beehive is one of nature's most remarkable laboratories, converting plant material into a range of extraordinarily complex foods and medicines such as Propolis - natural medicines that maintain the unique health and vitality of the bee colony' explains James.

'Man has benefited from Propolis, pollen and honey for thousands of years. With modern research on Propolis we are now gaining an understanding of how the mercurial benefits of Propolis arise'.

Nature's Laboratory's new Herbal Apothecary includes one of the best equipped natural product laboratories in the UK and an in-house herbal pharmacy, dispensary and clinic operated by a professional medical herbalist.

'The laboratory, run by one of the UK's leading natural product chemists, is equipped to the highest standard to provide a range of analysis and development', James continues.

'We can also boast a unique herbal research programme, which, in partnership with the University of East London, is exploring ground breaking quality standards, and an exclusive practitioner support programme for practising medical herbalists nationwide.'

James has been involved in natural medicine since the early 1970s. His first step towards turning his passion for natural medicines into a viable business was in 1992 when he co founded a company specialising in propolis.

Two years after launch, BeeVital won a major UK government Research and Development Award to look at the potential for developing licensed medicines from Propolis, research which has led to the discovery of a totally anti MRSA agent.
In a little over five years the business has grown from a team of two, to a research and production staff of eleven.

In addition to bee products the herbal apothecary supplies over 2000 herbal preparations to practitioners as well as specialist ranges for consumers including retail products for and spans whole oral health products, natural antibiotics and pain killers, natural anti depressants ,through to skin care products and herbal teas.

David Bellamy, a long time supporter of the use of natural medicines, will inaugurate the campaign for real medicine at Nature's Laboratory public opening on Sunday.

Visitors to the event will be able to consult the Plant and Bee Medical Herbalist and Apitherapist as well as learn about Bee Keeping and Herbal Medicine, experience live bee venom therapy, tour the plant and bee research laboratory and production facility and explore and purchase a range of Plant and Bee Medicines

The event is open to anyone with an interest in natural medicine. For more information visit www.herbalapothecaryuk.com

DATE: Sunday 1st June 2008 TIME: 12 - 400 PLACE: 3B Enterprise Way,Whitby, YO22 4NH
CONTACT: James Fearnley
Tel: 01947 602346 Fax: 01947 829217 Mobile : 07980 624988 Email james.fearnley@beevitalpropolis.com
Websites www.beevitalpropolis.com www.herbalapothecaryuk.com www.plantandbee.com

Photo Call
12.00hrs - 16.00hrs, Sunday 1 June
Nature's Laboratory, 3B Enterprise Way, Whitby, YO22 4NH

'

The Yorkshire and Humber NHS Innovation Competition, is designed to provide the opportunity for NHS employees to showcase innovations that have the ability to provide improvements in healthcare delivery in their departments, organisations or the wider NHS, with each winner receiving a £2000 innovation development prize. The overall winner then goes through to the NHS National Technology Awards, alongside winners from other NHS innovation hubs.

World class innovation was on display from this year's entrants, seeing some truly innovative solutions to healthcare problems, with Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust's Head of Radiological Physics, Giles Morrison, winning the Eversheds Medical Device/Diagnostics Award, for his Dynamic Cardiac CT Phantom. The device is used to ensure the performance and accuracy of Cardiac CT Scanners, a new technology that helps determine the extent of heart disease and then helps identify the appropriate treatment, a key tool in the Governments drive to bolster screening services across the country.

Bipin Bhakta of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust won the UDL Assistive Technology and Rehabilitation Award for his robotic system to aid stroke recovery. The innovation allows the patient to undergo additional therapeutic exercise, with minimal input from the therapist, addressing the shortage of hands-on therapy available to stroke patients in the UK. Mr Bhakta was also the overall winner, and will go through to compete in the NHS National Innovation Awards.

Amanda Jackson from Barnsley Primary Care Trust picked up the Yorkshire Forward Publications Award for the creation of a parent information leaflet for newborn skincare. This was created in response to a lack of qualified information on how to treat newborn skin properly, and identifies issues such as the avoidance of baby toiletries in the first few weeks of life.

The Yorkshire Bank Software and ICT Award went to Prashant Verma, of the Sheffield Teaching Hospital's NHS Foundation Trust Medical Physics Department, for the development of a software package for photo-therapy treatment planning. The package allows patients undergoing ultraviolet treatment for conditions such as psoriasis and dermatitis to be treated more effectively by providing the dermatology nurse with the most appropriate follow up treatment time, something which is key in this area as doses can be escalated at each treatment stage.

Richard Clark, CEO of Medipex, the organisation that handles innovation across the region's NHS said: "The Yorkshire and Humber NHS Innovation Competition is now in its fourth year, and each time we are surprised to see the strength and depth of innovation across Yorkshire and Humber's NHS. The region is home to truly world class services and innovation, and it is a privilege to play a part in rewarding these achievements."

As well as Medilink Y&H servicing medical technology companies, hospitals and universities within Yorkshire and Humber, they also help healthcare companies to make international partnerships and enter the export world - with the Latin America being a key area of interest.

The British Pavilion located in the green hall, organised by Medilink Y&H (exhibiting at booth P1 02/04), includes Wardray Premise (booth P 103) - the leading manufacturer of radiation shielding equipment for MRI and X-ray departments. Wardray can provide a total radiation shielding package; radio frequency and magnetic shielding for MRI rooms - including design, manufacturing, installation and post-contract support.

Another company is the developer and manufacturer of cutting-edge wound care and wound closure products - Advanced Medical Solutions (booth P 02). They will be introducing to Latin America their innovative wound care range; based on a moist wound healing environment which works to repair faster without pain and minimal scaring.

Other British exhibitors include Neomedics Limited - manufacturer and supplier of integrated medical disposables (booth P 01), Mediwatch - developers of a range of medical equipment for the diagnosis of a variety of clinical conditions (booth P 03), SLE - designers, developers and marketers of infant and neonatal ventilators (booth P 04) and Water Jel International Ltd - developers of a comprehensive line of emergency burn treatment products (booth P 101).

The Agency for Community Empowerment (AfCE) Sheffield has marked its fifth birthday by the on-line launch of a new Lottery funded programme to help small local groups across the UK with their computers.

Many small voluntary charities, sports groups and tenant groups are given a second-hand computer and sometimes this has very advanced software. This project set out to unlock that software for community use via on-line support and self training.

Awards for All is funding this one year pilot programme which is free and very simple to use. Groups that register to use the programme via the AfCE website are given a password and can access a "library" of short videos that answer IT questions that are commonly asked. Groups in South Yorkshire will be contacted by telephone and if appropriate may be offered an onsite visit.

Current topics range from using email to raising funds and transferring from paper books to electronic books. Registered users can seek answers to their own problems via a feedback form.

The AfCE free computer help library is now on line

For details groups should connect to:

www.afce.org.uk

CONNECT North East Investment Conference 2008 is being held at the Centre for Life, Newcastle upon Tyne.

For young technology companies or technology entrepreneurs who want access to the experience, expertise and information to grow-then this event is a must for you!

This event will bring together science and technology start ups, professional service providers, investors and other key stakeholders. They will be able to showcase investment opportunities, share ideas, learn from each other and seek new contacts and clients.

At the Investment conference this year, confirmed speakers include: Glen Collinson, co-founder of CSR plc. Marion Bernard, Chief Executive of North Star Equity Investors Ltd (NSEI). Also Peter Hiscocks former Head of Innovation Management at the Judge Business School as Conference Chair and additional guest speakers.
If you are an investor looking for a new and interesting deal or a professional service provider or consultant wishing to spot the latest developments, these events will be both informative and of benefit.

For further information, click here for conference programme and timings or visit Connect Yorkshires website for further details.

New Recruits Connect

Technical + Operations + Marketing.....

Connect Yorkshire are delighted to introduce their most recent additions: Rachel Kirby; Operations Manager, Aqsa Mahruf: Web Analyst and Danielle Ward Marketing & Membership Executive.

It will be an exciting and again progressive year for Connect, as most are aware, they work diligently to link entrepreneurs with the resources and the capital they need to succeed.

Connect encourages budding entrepreneurs, people in business and those seeking investment to utilise all the resources available to them. For which Connect are delighted to have a strong team in place to help deliver a personal service.

There is an opportunity to make a real difference to entrepreneurs with innovative and technology based business propositions. Connect intends to promote its services to the wider technological community-reaching out to both entrepreneurs and investors. In addition to this, increase the volume of members and expand on ideas of which members receive maximised value from online and offline services.

Danielle comments; ''my role here at Connect will allow me to identify people who need resources and guidance to make their innovative plans come to fruition. Connect have worked hard to build a technological utopia of which we would like more members to become part of! It is an exciting environment and I'm relishing the opportunity of assisting people with their business ideas.''

As your comments are important, Connect welcomes you to provide feedback, topical news and any comments via email to; danielle@connectyorkshire.org or alternatively visit www. Connect Yorkshire.org

• The Unique Selling Point: a product that serves a need like nothing else.
• Scalability: something that can be up scaled to make real money.
• Route to Market: the clear way the product can be sold and marketed.
• Mutually Beneficial Arrangement: just what will the Dragons get out of it?
• Exit Strategy: a plan of how the entrepreneur/Dragon will exit and make money.