WASTE MANAGEMENT GETS CLEVER AS GRUNDON DEPLOYS ROBOTICS

Waste management company Grundon is deploying artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the sorting and recovery of plastic waste at its Bishop’s Cleeve site in Cheltenham.

The company has invested in an AI robotic picker which it is training to sort the increasing amounts of industrial and commercial plastic waste arriving at its Cheltenham facility.

According to government statistics, in 2018 the UK generated almost 44 million tons of commercial and industrial waste. The latest estimates for England only in 2020 was almost 34 million tons.

Grundon’s new AI-driven Fast Picker, supplied by Helsinki-based supplier of robotic waste separation technology, ZenRobotics – a TEREX brand, can target and pick up to 80 items a minute. It has a recovered materials purity of up to 99 per cent and works alongside Grundon staff adding a further level of scrutiny to the process.

It picks at a “human” rate, visually scanning the belt before deciding which items to pick and every item picked is analysed and added to its AI memory for the next time.

Thanks to its AI capability, the Fast Picker can be trained to sort objects both positively and negatively to remove unwanted contaminated objects such as herbicide cans, silicone cartridges and oil cans from food grade plastic.

Ed Fagan, Grundon’s Head of Projects, Engineering and Design, is leading the project. He said: “The Zen Robot represents an exciting first step in the Grundon R&D journey towards our ultimate aim of a fully autonomous sorting plant.”

“Where we can really see robotic sorters making a difference is in environments which are less well suited for humans, such as the sorting of contaminated waste or working in areas with high levels of noise and dust.”

Sustainability pioneer Puredrive Energy powered for growth with £4 million lending facility

Puredrive Energy, an award-winning developer and distributor of solar energy storage has received a £4 million lending facility from assetbased lender, Cynergy Business Finance.

Puredrive, which is based in Cheltenham, provides solar energy storage to help deliver a more efficient, and sustainable energy source.

Its unique battery is at the heart of all its products, The system’s technology and software makes the whole system run seamlessly, keeping imported grid energy to a minimum and maximising renewable energy consumption.

Manufacturing its products in the UK and distributing internationally, it says its technology helps consumers to increase their renewable energy consumption by up to 85 per cent.

Puredrive has been working closely with many of the UK’s energy district network operators to design a feature allowing the system to help balance the national grid in times of need – something homeowners might welcome this winter if we are threatened with blackouts.

Swimwear brand to design bespoke mastectomy swimwear line supported by Gloucestershire NHS

A Gloucestershire designer is designing a special mastectomy swimwear line supported by the Gloucestershire NHS Foundation Trust.

Driven by the lack of attractive swimwear options available to those who have been through the procedure, Natasha Griggs,

Founder of Topaz Swimwear based in Cheltenham, has created a line that she hopes will emulate the elegance of her wider offering and use the same luxurious fabrics.

Natasha said: “One concern for women after breast surgery is a perceived loss of femininity, which is at the forefront of their post-surgery psychological needs.”

Currently in the research stage with Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust as the supporting partner, Topaz Swimwear is working with the Gloucester Cancer Institute and the Hospital Charity.

Most business owners when viewing their business for a potential sale, attribute a significantly higher value than what would be achievable if they looked to exit at that point in time.

It’s understandable why they would think this. As a business owner you’ve quite often grown your business from the start, put in long hours and gone through some turbulent times along the way when cash-flow wasn’t always stable, to achieve a business that’s now successful and profitable.

Buts it’s all been done with a purpose in mind.

Whether that’s to achieve the lifestyle you aspire to, buy that dream home, sell your business so you can retire comfortably or move onto the next exciting venture.

But what do you need to fund that next adventure?

How do you know that your business will be worth what you need it to be when you want to sell? How long will it take to achieve that value? Or, could it be, your business already there and you didn’t know it?

An exit plan is the vital first step, you can then get clear on what your business is valued at now and get your business exit ready. So when that perfect offer comes along, you can move quickly and secure the sale.

The key elements of an exit plan should cover:

• Planned exit date

• Financial return required

• Initial business valuation

• Financial forecast

Once you understand what it takes to achieve the business valuation you need, you can:

• Design that saleable business

• Get clear on what needs to be done to achieve this

• Formulate an action plan to get from where you are now to where you need to be

As founder of Veloci-Tech, and owner of established business Cole Accounting, I’ve been helping business owners in Gloucestershire and the South West gain financial clarity and direction in both their personal and business journeys for over 11 years.

If you feel you don’t have all the answers and would like to have a conversation to discuss getting your business exit ready, call Danielle Cole on 01242 371317 or email activate@veloci-tech.co.uk

Tewkesbury tech firm launches

‘world first’ DIY virtual event platform

Gravit8, which develops software for events and brand experience centres, has launched what it claims is a world first DIY SAAS (software as a service) virtual event platform.

Based on its Virtual Event Platform (VEP), a true-to-life 3D virtual environment, Gravit8’s tools include virtual exhibition halls, networking spaces, conference auditoriums and event spaces which can now be accessed by organisers, exhibitors and delegates via a fully configurable DIY platform to use in a SAAS format.

Gravit8 has developed virtual solutions for global brands such as Dixons Carphone Warehouse, Shell and ITV throughout the pandemic, and the new Gravit8 VEP expands upon the continued need of engaging and connecting brands to delegates without, or alongside, in-person interaction.

Alastair Reece, Managing Director of Gravit8, said: “Our Virtual Event Platform is a true example of innovation in the tech-sector. Our solution provided a much-needed alternative to plain, flat, dull video conferencing and continues to grow in demand despite a return to in-person events – due to allowing exhibiting brands the freedom to really express themselves and their message.”