A Place in the Final of the Barclays Trading Places Awards

Since setting up last year and launching a moving and handling device, Mid Wales based Promove UK Ltd has gone from strength to strength and reached the finals of the Barclays Trading Places Awards.

The awards are for anyone who has taken up the challenge to change their life by setting up a new business. The ceremony took place on Wednesday, 9 July at The Royal Hotel in Cardiff and Promove was one of 11 finalists within Wales recognised for its innovative product as well as business abilities.

Wheelchair-user Dr Huw Thomas and managing director of Promove UK Ltd, was inspired to design the sling, called Promove after he had to be lifted by firemen from the first floor of a building when the lift broke down. He said: “I am delighted to have been a finalist at the awards, and to have received recognition for the work to date.”

The versatility of the Promove sling was also acknowledged earlier in the year when it won the ‘Inventors Den’ competition - part of Museums and Galleries Month 2008 (MGM), established by the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) - which ran in May. The theme was ideas and innovation that could change life for the better.

The device also won a bronze medal at the International Exhibition of Inventions 2008 held in Geneva earlier in the year, beating off stiff competition from over 50 other products in its category.

Dr Thomas adds: “Winning competitions and being classed as finalists in such major awards is a massive coup for us as a company, and demonstrates the commercial potential and social awareness of the device.”

Since last November several Fire and Rescue teams across the UK have trialled the Promove sling and brigades are now purchasing the device, in some cases with the intention of placing one on every appliance.

For further information and a free trial, please contact Dr Huw Thomas or Dana Thomas by telephone on 01970 820893 or by e-mail huw@promove.uk.com / dana@promove.uk.com.