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Welsh innovators hit gold at global invention competition in Switzerland.
Siōn Barry - sion.barry@wme.co.uk |
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WELSH inventors have scored unprecedented success in a top international competition.
All 13 Welsh products exhibited at the 2007 International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva carried off prizes - and two inventors won the coveted gold award. Ian Menelaus, of Fishguard, Pembrokeshire, took a gold award and the prize of the Malaysian Association of Research Scientists for his innovative Ladder Stabiliser.
The LaddaLimpet allows builders and DIY enthusiasts to position the ladder at the precise angle needed to work safely, giving the piece of mind and confidence to get the task done safely and quickly.
Mr Menelaus launched LaddaLimpet at the Ideal Homes Exhibition earlier this year which generated a phenomenal response from manufacturers and distributers in China, Holland and canada - as well as from fire brigades, the Metropolitan Police and the RSPCA.
WINNER Ian Menelaus of Fishguard,
with his LaddaLimpet which has won
praise and prizes.
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The stabilisers, which prevent ladders from slipping, twisting or moving sideways and compensate for uneven ground, can be fitted to any ladder and removed in seconds. The device, which is patent protected, has been proved to be more effective than a person standing on the base of the ladder. The stabiliser legs automatically lock in position as soon as the feet come in to contact with a solid surface.
Welsh inventors also won six silver and five bronze awards at the exhibition, with the support of the Wales Innovators Network.
The Wales Innovators Network was established by the Welsh Assembly Government more than four years ago. Its overall aim is to encourage and support innovation in Wales and help turn good ideas into commercial propositions.
The international Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva, one of the World's most important meeting places for inventors, attracted more than 700 exhibitors from 42 countries presenting nearly a thousand inventions.
Visit the Geneva Show >>> |
Firm on high with new safety device. By Anwen Humfrey |
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Fledgling Fishguard business Laddatec received a top award for excellence at an international event last month.
The company is run by husband and wife team Ian and Jan Menelaus, who design and produce ladder safety products.
The LaddaLimpet, a ladder stabilising system, was launched at the Ideal Home Exhibition at Earl's Court in March, and has already attracted interest from the MoD, Metropolitan Police, Fire Brigade, RSPCA and overseas businesses.
The product was exhibited at the International Inventor's Exhibition in Geneva, and after a successful week won a gold medal award for excellence and achievement in design from the Malaysian Association of Research Scientists. |
Ian said: "We are very proud of what we have achieved, and were delighted by the recognition given to the product at such an established, prestigious event."
The company gained support through Business Eye in Pembroke Dock, who helped with the later stages of the product's development and put them in touch with companies who could assist with the final stages of the product.
Laddatec exhibited under the banner of the Welsh Innovator's Network (WIN) in Geneva.
Ian said: "The Welsh stand was the envy of many countries at the show, with its professional and eye catching products. "Not only were we successful in achieving an award, but the other exhibitors on the stand received medals ranging from gold to bronze, proof of the fantastic job that WIN does. "We are looking forward to taking the product to the market place through our contacts at the Ideal Home Show and the Geneva exhibition." |
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