We are thrilled that having been shortlisted as a finalist we went on to win the ‘Best use of Technology’ award at the recent North Worcestershire Business Awards.
The team was able to celebrate the win with other businesses at the event at Hogarths Stone Manor near Kidderminster. We were among the 30 local businesses that were shortlisted for an award and beat two other finalists in our category to win. These were Redditch-based TSR Electrical Group and StarkEV, an electrical vehicle charging point installer.
Our entry centred on the advanced technology that is provided by our vape detector offering, the HALO Smart Sensor manufactured by IPVideo in the USA. We were one of the first companies in the UK to identify the potential of the technology that provides real-time alerts of vaping as well as indoor air quality monitoring.
This smart sensor has supported schools in the UK to tackle the problem of the rising numbers of young people who are vaping. Schools are finding that students are disrupting lessons by asking to go to the toilet and creating an intimidating atmosphere in the school toilets because more students are gathering in them to vape.
Our case studies and testimonials demonstrate that when combined with strengthened behaviour policies and the use of CCTV outside the toilets to confirm the identities of students, the vape detector has proved to be very effective at reducing vaping in schools.
Matthew Carpenter, Principal at Baxter College in Kidderminster, said: “It has transformed the amount of antisocial behaviour in toilets, children are more confident in going to the toilets. It has also reduced the number of students asking to go to the toilet during lessons.”
Meanwhile Charlotte Slattery Deputy Head Teacher at St Joseph’s College in Stoke-on-Trent, said: “I had dithered about it for over 12 months due to the cost but it has been transformational for us. We started with only 2 devices in our worst areas and have now ordered another 5 to go into more toilets.”
The North Worcestershire Business Awards were judged by an independent panel that said the finalists reflect “an impressive range of diverse businesses, all showcasing their commitment to growth, sustainability and adding extra value for customers.”
Now in their sixth year the awards are organised by North Worcestershire Business Leaders (NWBL) and the local authorities in North Worcestershire in partnership with Hogarths Stone Manor.