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INNOVATION
Forensic scientist Jim Campbell realised he could save the police precious time if he adapted lab equipment and methodologies into rapid tests used on site. He launched SureScreen Diagnostics in 1996 to develop quick, accurate, cheaper portable techniques, including lateral flow tests (LFTs). Now a second-generation business run by his sons Alastair, Alex and David, the business continues to focus on bringing innovation to people around the world to improve people’s lives through early and accurate diagnosis. When Covid-19 struck, SureScreen were one of the first companies in Europe to develop rapid tests for the virus, allowing hospitals to keep departments open and effectively screen, treat and place patients on the correct wards in hospitals, helping to reduce transmission at a time when testing capacity was limited. Many companies designed tests for Covid-19, however there was a big variance in the quality of products on the market. Using SureScreen’s background IP from previous projects, alongside cutting edge thinking and research, the team worked around the clock to develop a much easier to use and higher sensitivity test compared to what was available. This successful project led to the test being SureScreen Diagnostics
SureScreen Production
SureScreen Test
the first European-approved antigen test in the UK, following stringent laboratory evaluation at Porton Down, with the tests being used across the world, and notably helping the UK NHS testing programme during the pandemic. SureScreen continues to innovate at their new state of the art manufacturing facility, developing world-first biodegradable tests, Mpox tests and recently launching the first influenza-Covid test to be approved for use in the UK. Innovation is at the core of the business and doesn’t stop with new products. A good example is the automated production that has been
designed and built from the ground up, with many innovations to improve efficiency, and is said to be the best LFT facility in Europe. There continue to be many new innovations in the research and development pipeline, building systems for early detection of diseases to allow better treatments and monitoring for the future, with the continued focus of improving people’s lives through early and accurate diagnosis.
SURESCREEN DIAGNOSTICS Lucinda House, Little Oak Drive, Sherwood Business Park, NG15 0DR Tel: 01332 365318 • www.surescreen.com
Whoosh
Whoosh’s patented software allows the live delivery of every form of transport information, personalised to that user and their journey, wherever they are in the UK. Knowing exactly where a user is on their journey has enabled a suite of new tools that are transforming public transport. For a long time, the UK transport industry has been unable to successfully communicate information and alternative transport options to passengers during disruption: Whoosh’s solution solves that challenge. Passengers can now report faults on the railway and provide feedback on any element of their journey to the operator, who will know exactly where the user is and what they are experiencing. Whoosh was founded by Edmund Caldecott 10 years ago as Spoken Ink, which provides books and magazines to travellers on planes, trains and coaches. The addition of transport information to the company’s entertainment offering was a natural evolution. Sergio Sergiou, Chief Technology Officer at Whoosh, developed the idea, building a team of experienced developers and juniors that combined traditional knowledge and new ways of thinking. Together, they created a product that met its first hint of success when it was awarded
a grant from Innovate UK, enabling critical enhancements that allowed long-term market growth. Jack Shields, Managing Director, took Whoosh to market with continued success, selling the product into the UK rail industry’s stalwart companies, creating tailored packages to meet the needs of each partner. Personalisation is at
Screenshots of the digital information system on various transport operators
A poster in Euston Station informs the public about the system
the heart of Whoosh’s long-term growth as it looks to further develop and improve the accessibility of its digital information system so that it meets the needs of people no matter who they are, where they live or their travel needs. Investing in the interface and Whoosh’s ability to interact with its users will allow lightning speed learning with invaluable access to real time data and insights to help shape better travel for all. This will not only impact the lives of millions of people, both locally and globally as the system
is rolled out internationally, but given the right kind of partnerships and innovative thinking, can positively impact the planet and shape the future of more sustainable ways of travelling. WHOOSH Suite 27-29, The Hop Exchange, 24 Southwalk Street, London SE1 1TY Tel: 0203 761 4007 • info@whooshmedia.co.uk whooshmedia.co.uk • @Whoosh_Media jack-shields1990/
King’s Awards Magazine 2023
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