'Angel' helps belt invention take off

AN invention devised using a child's plastic bricks could prove to be a money-spinner for a Yorkshire entrepreneur.

The SensSlip System, which has been developed by Sheffield-based engineer, Robert Brown, monitors the level of slippage in belt drive systems, which are used in most manufacturing machinery.

As belts slip, processes become less efficient, energy is wasted and belts are more likely to break, which means higher costs and more carbon emissions.

Checking and re-setting belts is time-consuming, so automatic monitoring ensures maintenance is only carried out when needed.

The potential for SensSlip's development was spotted by business angel Simon Smith at an investment forum run by the Yorkshire Association of Business Angels. As a result, the energy saving device has secured an 80,000 business angel investment.

Mr Smith said: "Robert's original device displayed data on a screen next to the belt drive, which works fine in factories where somebody is constantly working the machine.

"We've now added the capacity for remote monitoring, so data from each device can be viewed online from any location and maintenance staff can receive email or text alerts when there's a problem with a belt."

Mr Brown developed the device in his spare time and built the first prototype out of his son's plastic bricks.

He secured funding from Yorkshire Forward, and convinced companies from a range of sectors – including Corus and Yorkshire Water – to let him test the device in an industrial setting.

"The potential market for SensSlip is substantial both in the UK and in Europe," said Mr Smith. "We're now recruiting sales staff and have started to promote the product to the manufacturing and utility sectors."

YABA is a non-profit making introduction service that puts entrepreneurs and companies seeking finance in touch with private investors, known as business angels, looking to invest in start-up, growth stage and turnaround opportunities.

Business angels may invest sums of up to 250,000. In some cases, a group of business angels may come together in a syndicate, particularly in cases where a large amount of finance is sought.