Business

Solar energy bench with USB charging point awarded top product gong

The new stellar bench by Environmental Street Furniture won Product of the Show at Innovate 2017 in Birmingham. Pictured (from left) are Mike Mynard, business development manager of ESF, Dr Ruth McKernan, head of Innovate UK, Gareth Russell, sales/solar specialist at ESF and Lorraine Acheson, NI manager of Innovate UK
The new stellar bench by Environmental Street Furniture won Product of the Show at Innovate 2017 in Birmingham. Pictured (from left) are Mike Mynard, business development manager of ESF, Dr Ruth McKernan, head of Innovate UK, Gareth Russell, sales/solar s The new stellar bench by Environmental Street Furniture won Product of the Show at Innovate 2017 in Birmingham. Pictured (from left) are Mike Mynard, business development manager of ESF, Dr Ruth McKernan, head of Innovate UK, Gareth Russell, sales/solar specialist at ESF and Lorraine Acheson, NI manager of Innovate UK

COUNTY Antrim firm Environmental Street Furniture (ESF) was awarded Product of the Show award for its new ‘stellar bench’ at Innovate 2017 in Birmingham.

The Stellar Bench is an outdoor bench that offers USB mobile device charging and utilises solar energy without the need for any electricity.

Its simple design allows solar energy to be collected and stored in the integrated controlled battery system and used as and when required. The stored energy also powers LED concealed lighting on the bench and can be utilised for wifi and other reporting.

As the first product designed and manufactured by the Newtownabbey based company, the stellar bench was officially launched at Innovate 2017.

Alan Lowry, managing director of ESF, said: “We're absolutely delighted to have won this peer-to-peer award. Launching our first product solely designed and manufactured by ESF, was a poignant moment, so the fact that the stellar bench was awarded Product of the Show by our peers, makes it all the more special.”

Innovate 2017, hosted by Innovate UK, is an event where creators, investors and entrepreneurs meet to network with the future and be inspired as well as see game-changing innovations for the first time.

Alan added: “There is more awareness about solar renewable energies and with Smart Cities becoming more prevalent, there is a greater need for products like this. ESF prides itself on being at the forefront of innovative technologies, which is why we decided to design our very own outdoor bench.

“We used high quality materials including a toughened laminated glass top. This will ensure a greater amount of protection both from the weather and potential vandalism. The temperature controlled ventilated seating makes it an enticing option during the colder weather.

“We worked long and hard with solar technology experts to make sure the product was at the highest standard and we are very proud of what we have achieved.”

Following receipt of their award, Alan travelled to Orlando in Florida to exhibit on the DIT stand at the eminent IAAPA trade exhibition, where he once again showcased the stellar bench.