Innovation success for Lancs firms

MOBILE phone recycling firm SHP and and energy saving specialist Elstat, have won regional awards in a drive to find the UK’s most innovative and forward-thinking companies.

The Lancashire firms, took part in the HSBC Business Thinking programme, will be awarded a prize of up to £100,000.

Lancaster company and Preston-based Elstat were announced the winners at a gala awards dinner, held this week at The Monastery, Manchester.

The winners, along with the four other regional finalists, were asked to present to the judging panel a refined business case, including insights gained on a Thought Exchange trip to China.  

Mark Tilleray, HSBC’s regional commercial director for the North West said: “Elstat and SHP are truly ‘thinking’ businesses, with an innovative approach and a compelling business case, reflecting their learnings from the Thought Exchange.

“The winners are a great example of companies in the North West that are looking beyond domestic markets to develop their business, and we urge other companies in the region to consider the opportunities that may lie overseas for them”.

The final stage of the Business Thinking initiative will see Elstat and SHP join regional winners from across the country to compete at an International Insight event in Hong Kong.

The overall 2010 winner will receive a further financial reward of up to £100,000 to support the development of their next business idea.