14 Dec 2007 | Ref. 393/2007
Farnborough, United Kingdom: A unique design for an ‘information pod’ has won first prize in BAE System’s annual Apprentice Innovation Challenge. The eye-catching device, for Macmillan Cancer Support, BAE Systems’ UK partner charity, uses an innovative locking system that allows it to be easily erected, collapsed and transported whilst incorporating storage for leaflets.
The winning team comes from BAE Systems’ Military Air Solutions business at Brough in East Yorkshire. The apprentices will now work with Macmillan to put the design into production so it can assist the charity in promoting help available for people living with cancer.
Runners-up teams from Glascoed and Glasgow were commended for their work, which devised electronic aids to help people living with the side effects of cancer treatment. The Glascoed team created a laser measuring device which can help cancer nurses calculate precise changes in swelling of their patients’ limbs. The team from Glasgow created an electronic light game which encourages patients to keep as mobile as possible. Both designs will be reviewed further by Macmillan and could be brought into production.
Richard Trowell, a project manager on the Brough team, said:
“We’re elated to have won. This is the first time that a team from Brough has entered so we really didn’t expect to win. We’ve really enjoyed putting the skills we’ve learned at BAE Systems into practice, particularly for such a worthwhile cause, and we’re also able to put this project towards our NVQ/HNC coursework, so everyone’s a winner.”
Jason Suckley, Corporate Partnerships Director at MacMillan Cancer Support said:
”The Innovation Challenge is a wonderful concept, which truly tests the skills of BAE Systems’ apprentices for a worthy cause. It shows that the relationship between BAE Systems and MacMillan Cancer Support is much more than fundraising.”
Charity Challenge has raised more than £32m for national and local charities since its inception in 1989. The scheme operates across more than 100 of BAE Systems’ sites across the world. BAE Systems matches funds raised for partner charities, including giving £50 for every day “spent” by employees volunteering their own time.
Throughout 2007 BAE Systems has worked with Macmillan Cancer Support in the UK, The Australian Cancer Council and The Alzheimer’s Association in North America
About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is the premier global defence and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. With 96,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £15 billion (US $27 billion) in 2006*.
*On a pro forma basis, assuming BAE Systems had owned Armor Holdings Inc for the whole of 2006
For further information, please contact:
Kate Watcham, BAE Systems
Tel: + 44 (0) 1252 383550 Mob + 44 (0) 7793 420731
Kate.watcham@baesystems.com
Stephen Bethel, BAE Systems
Tel: + 44 (0) 1252 384029 Mob: + 44 (0) 7793 426328
Stephen.bethel@baesystems.com
Issued by:
BAE Systems, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 6YU, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384605 Fax: +44 (0) 1252 383947
24hr media hotline: + 44 (0) 7801 717739
www.baesystems.com
