From an article by Marianna Marks on the Business Wales News website.
You cannot help feeling inspired when you talk to technology and manufacturing companies in Wales.
From a friendly reception, a hot beverage and the occasional bacon buttie, you are given the same first-rate treatment from the management team whether you are a journalist, prospective partner or the local MP. Similarly, the integral role played by the right people and processes in the overall business direction and success is raised in almost every conversation.
Thus when talking to Caerphilly-based Blackwood Embedded Solutions, it was not a surprise to hear the phrases “common framework” and “safe design” raised fairly early on during the conversation.
Managing Director, Anthony Giles, quickly explained the many ways in which these were essential in bringing products to market from the introduction of a formalised structure to document and evidence software and product design, to ensuring investors get a handle on realistic investment phase planning from the outset.
On the face of it this approach would seem fairly self-evident.
However, when you supply electronics and software for the medical market, getting it wrong at best means long delays and at worst means failing altogether or compromising patient safety.
This makes it essential to be both systematic and clear of what you are looking to achieve – an approach that is certainly paying off for Blackwood Embedded Solutions.
Not only is the company demonstrating continued growth and an enviable reputation for design and product excellence, the company also walked away with a Technology Award after entering the Made in Wales Awards for the first time.
You can certainly understand Mr Giles and his team’s delight.
Blackwood Embedded Solutions now looks to increase its circa £600k turnover to £2 million over the next few years with support from the Business Wales Accelerated Growth Programme.
This will also enable the business to create up to 10 new jobs.