Excellence in Business Awards 2011: Creative energy that helps to slash power bills

NOBODY looks forward to the arrival of the electricity bill, particularly at a time of soaring energy costs and weak economic growth.

But Rotherham-based EMSc (UK) is helping the public and private sectors to cut costs, and do their bit to protect the environment.

The company’s bulging order book, and blue-chip client list, proves that hi-tech manufacturing is alive and kicking in Yorkshire.

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EMSc triumphed in the Innovation of the Year category at the Excellence in Business Awards, which was sponsored by Drax Power.

EMSc was founded in 2001 by managing director Dr Alex Mardapittas.

Over the last decade, the company has developed a number of sustainable products, including the “Star” brand.

The company’s most successful product is Powerstar, a voltage optimisation system that works to reduce electricity consumption and carbon emissions.

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Since its launch Powerstar units have been used by Leeds-based supermarket Asda, the NHS, the Cabinet Office and Guoman Hotels, where Powerstar has achieved a 26.1 per cent saving on electricity consumption.

Speaking after picking up the award, Mr Mardapittas said: “Everybody has worked very hard for this and hopefully we will win more business in the future.

“We’ve grown by about 500 per cent in four years.

“We’re planning to triple our production in the next two years and export to 20 more countries.”

The judges said: “The winner is green, profitable and is selling domestically and exporting around the world – which is just what Yorkshire and the UK needs.”

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Dr Mardapittas studied at Kings College London and Brunel University. On completing his research fellowship for Manufacturing Metrology in 1993, he went on to work in professional computer software training and development.

As a chartered engineer, with a research doctorate, he possesses an extensive knowledge of software programming and engineering design.

The company has started exporting Powerstar to Australia, Cyprus, South Africa, Sweden and Malta and is in the process of setting up new relationships in the Netherlands, Spain and Germany.

Despite the worst recession in living memory, the company continues to experience continued year on year growth.

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In the last three years, the company’s turnover has exceeded expectations each year, growing from £1.05m in 2008 to £7.4m in 2010.

At the same time employee numbers have increased from eight to 65 respectively. More staff are expected to be hired in Yorkshire soon.

A further six staff are based in the company’s Cyprus office.

A company spokesman said: “We employ a team of highly skilled engineers who work to continually develop our products. Each of our energy management solutions has been designed and developed by members of the EMS team.

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“Each Powerstar system is custom wound to match the requirements of an individual site and not only cuts power consumption but also helps to ensure equipment – ranging from industrial plant to light bulbs – works more efficiently and lasts longer because the power supply is at its optimum voltage.

EMSc is helping leading hospitality group Whitbread to cut energy bills at hotels and restaurants across the country. EMSc has installed its Powerstar voltage optimisation technology at 25 Whitbread sites, chosen because of their differing “energy consumption profiles”, in other words, some use a lot more energy than others.

So the next time you check in to a hotel owned by Whitbread, remember the Yorkshire firm that is helping it to keep a grip on its energy bills.

Best of the rest: The other shortlisted businesses

Young entrepreneur of the year, sponsored by O2.

Bedale-based Tim Gibson, who set up a business to supply hi-tech milking robots.

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Adam Hildreth, whose Leeds-based company helps protect children from cyber bullies.

SME manufacturer of the year, sponsored by TC Harrison JCB.

Acorn Brewery of Barnsley, which makes a range of cask ales.

Huddersfield-based Wellhouse Leisure, a manufacturer of compact motor homes.

Innovation of the year, sponsored by Drax.

Q8 Oils, a Leeds-based lubricants producer.

Premier Farnell, the Leeds-based distributor of electronic components.

Exporter of the year, sponsored by The Big Word.

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Halifax-based James Heal, which makes testing instruments for the textiles sector.

Leeds-based Search Laboratory, a search engine marketing agency.

Outstanding employer of the year, sponsored by the Bradford University School of Management.

Savvy, a Leeds-based marketing agency.

Leeds-based UK General Insurance.

Young Business of the Year, sponsored by Goldman Sachs.

Golden, a visual design agency from Leeds.

Hull-based Myton Law, a law firm specialising in shipping law.

Business community award, sponsored by Aviva.

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Graduates Yorkshire, a Sheffield-based social enterprise that works with the region’s universities.

Think 3E, a Dewsbury-based social enterprise.

Companies with a turnover up to £10m, sponsored by Yorkshire Bank.

Ellis Bates, a Harrogate-based independent financial adviser and insurance broker.

Premier Technical Services Group of Wakefield, which protects people working at height.

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Companies with a turnover between £10m and £50m , sponsored by PWC.

Cranswick Pet Products, a manufacturer of blended natural seed.

Dewsbury-based Rixonway Kitchens

Companies with a turnover above £50m, sponsored by DLA Piper.

Leeds-based Emis, a primary care software provider.

Engineering firm Spencer, a family-owned business based in Barrow on Humber.

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