A heat storage technology company from East Lothian has fought off competition from across the country to be nominated for a prestigious national innovation award which will see the company heading to UK Parliament later this month.
Sunamp is one of just five companies nominated for the Innovation Leading New Markets category in Innovate UK’s Small Business innovation awards. They also have a chance of winning the best of the best “Inspirational innovation” award.
The awards aim to recognise examples of innovation excellence among the projects funded by Innovate UK. The awards celebrate projects and companies that demonstrate the impact of innovation on business growth and driving the economy, and can inspire others.
Sunamp founder Andrew Bissell said: “Innovate UK funding has been instrumental in supporting our development of key Sunamp energy storage materials and heat battery technology. This has led to the recent formation of Sunamp’s dedicated Automotive business unit. We’ve also benefited from very supportive KTN staff and an exceptional associate under KTP. We’re hugely grateful to Innovate UK for all the support we’ve received.”
“I’m absolutely delighted that Sunamp has been nominated for this award,” said George Kerevan, MP for East Lothian. “Its products are truly imaginative and bring important social benefits, reducing heating costs and encouraging families to invest in solar energy. I wish Sunamp all success and look forward to seeing the business grow and flourish in the future. Here in East Lothian we are proud of our track record for innovation and it is good to see that Innovate UK appreciates the talent we have at hand.”
Innovate UK Chief Executive Ruth McKernan said: “Our small business awards showcase the stories behind some of the excellent new innovations that Innovate UK helps to get closer to market every year. They also help Parliamentarians see how vital business-led innovation is to growing the economy and any industrial strategy. I want to congratulate Sunamp on being shortlisted for an award and I’m looking forward to meeting them in Parliament and hopefully sending them back with an award.”
The awards will be presented by Universities and Science minister Jo Johnson MP, and Chief Executive of Innovate UK, Dr Ruth McKernan on 25 October in the House of Commons.
Since 2007 Innovate UK has invested around £1.8 billion in innovation, which has been more than matched by the private sector – returning up to £13.1 billion to the economy. Innovate UK has supported innovation in 7,600 organisations, creating around 55,000 new jobs – more than 7 for each company we have worked with.
