INNOVATION REVIEW
of the functional aspects of our homes in the hands of the consumer. That is why we are continuing to source the best talent to join our team, and it is why we are reaching out to the start-up community to avoid missing a trick. We recently held our first ever ‘Startup Showcase’, inviting entrepreneurs from all over the world with an interest in connected home technology to share their ideas, win some valuable investment and a chance to trial their product with British Gas customers. The turn-out was incredible. On the day, we had 26 enthusiastic participants all brimming with new ideas – and only served to underline the point that now is the time, that we really are on the cusp of a connected home
revolution. The winner, online heating analysis company MyJoulo, offer people a simple and effective way to understand their energy use, something many of us have never been able to do before. Which brings me back to the overarching point here. We want to wake up the home, give people greater control and offer more convenience in day-today life. This is not about shiny gadgets or expensive technology for the few. Instead, it is about giving millions of consumers what they want and when they need it: simple, clever innovation to improve their everyday lives. Transforming the ordinary. We want to give people control of their homes in a way that is never been done before.
For more on Hive, by British Gas, or to book a Hive Active Heating™ installation, visit www.hivehome.com. You can follow Nina Bhatia on Twitter at www.twitter.com/NinaBhatia
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