Manufacturing innovators reach Venturefest North West finals

A Bolton air purification firm, a Wigan rescue equipment manufacturer and a Middleton producer of recycling machinery are among the finalists of the Venturefest Innovation Showcase competition.

Now in its fifth year, the contest was open to SMEs from across the North West and attracted 173 entries competing for awards across Product Innovation, Service Innovation, Digital Innovation and Innovative Established Business categories.

Each award comes with thousands of pounds worth of business support, provided by GC Business Growth Hub and its partners as part of Venturefest North West.

 Three manufacturers make up the shortlist in the Production Innovation category:

• Radic8 Ltd: A Bolton-based independent air purification company that has created INBair O2, the world's first recreational oxygen purifier, delivering 40% more oxygen through a sleek headset.
• Reach and Rescue Ltd: A Wigan-based manufacturer that produces long reach telescopic poles and other associated equipment for use in rescue missions.
• Redman Racing Boats Ltd: A Chester-based organisation that aims to bring game changing technologies to rowing boat design and manufacturing.

Meanwhile, Whitham Mills Engineering Ltd, a leading manufacturer of recycling equipment in Middleton, is shortlisted in the Established Business category. The company has developed a novel food waste tipping solution that uses a state-of-the-art hydraulic system to reduce cost and downtime for clients.

The winners will be revealed at Venturefest North West on 13 September at Manchester Central. For more information or to register for the event, visit www.venturefestnorthwest.com.

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