University spin-out wins major business award

A University of St Andrews spin- out company, which produces interactive and hands-on displays for science centres and exhibitions, has won a major Scottish business award.

FifeX, which is run by Craig Harvey and Kenneth Boyd, beat off stiff competition from fifteen of Scotland’s best new start businesses to win the Best Business Demonstrating Sustainability Award at the Scottish Final of Fife’s Shell LiveWIRE ‘Young Entrepreneur of the Year’ 2004.

FifeX, in exclusive collaboration with the University of St Andrews, is a new, innovative interactive exhibit company. FifeX prides itself on bringing fresh thinking to the design and manufacture of robust, high-tech and educationally sound, interactive displays. The company’s unique relationship with the University allows direct access to expert knowledge and experience in all areas of science and technology. This is attractive to clients from FifeX’s primary market – science centres and museums, who are constantly looking for innovative and interesting ideas. Interactives for school, teaching aids, lecture demonstrations as well as corporate exhibitions are all further areas of interest for the company.

The winner of the Shell LiveWIRE Young Entrepreneur of the Year title was Edinburgh based, Lightweight Medical which is a speculative medical devices company that has already designed a critically needed neo-natal product. Lightweight Medical and runner-up AC2.com from Renfrewshire will now represent Scotland at the UK final in June.

Scotland Office Minister Anne McGuire MP was in attendance at the awards ceremony which celebrated the very best in young Scottish business.

Anne McGuire MP said, “As a small nation, Scotland has produced an inordinate amount of inventors, engineers, scientists, financiers, doctors and political theorists. The next generation of entrepreneurs are carving out a pathway into future success, securing Scotland’s reputation for innovation on the global stage. Congratulations to the finalists. Their self confidence, drive and belief is truly inspirational, and proof that the spirit of innovation is very much alive.

“The Government recognises the need to promote new business growth, and create an environment which fosters an enterprising, innovative and highly skilled economy. The recent Budget for example contained a number of measures to tackle the barriers that inhibit our new businesses – in finance, skills, business advice and innovation. We are committed to delivering the right economic conditions to support our entrepreneurs and creating an environment where fresh thinking and new ideas flourish.”

Commenting on the award, Clive Mather, Shell UK Chairman said, “It’s been a privilege to meet such an electrifying group of dynamic young people. Through Shell LiveWIRE we aim to encourage young entrepreneurs to go further, faster and more sustainably. All the finalists showed they have what it takes to succeed, and I wish them all the very best in the future.”

As well as being judged on a range of different criteria including best business plan, greatest employment potential and best innovation and new technology, companies were also judged closely on their efforts to embrace sustainable development. Entrants were asked to give their plans for sustainable practices such as maximising energy efficiency in their business, creating positive employment policies and minimising waste and managing impacts on local communities.

For more information on FifeX, please visit www.fifex.co.uk.

ENDS

For further information, please contact Jonathan Kennedy on 0141- 303-8390 or 07799-768968 or Chris Bell on 0141-303-8390 or 07974- 692330. For further information on the Shell LiveWIRE programme in the UK, please visit www.shell-livewire.org.

Issued by Beattie Media On behalf of the University of St Andrews For more information, please contact Contact Claire Grainger, Press Officer – 01334 462530, 07730 415 015 or cg24@st- andrews.ac.uk; Ref: press releases/fifex View the latest University news at http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk