Seamless Sensing is the first business in Leicestershire to receive funding through the Sustainable Construction Innovation Network (iNet).

The company has developed a wireless smart energy management system that allows businesses to monitor energy consumption and reduce energy costs.

The system itself uses individual sensor modules so that the energy consumption of individual pieces of equipment can be monitored second-by-second - even light bulbs - without the need for any technical or dedicated expertise or personnel.

The modules, which are a little larger than a mobile phone, transfer live information to an online web account.

Reports can then be sent email, text or viewed online so that organisations can see where they are losing money through inefficient or energy intensive equipment.


Dr Edward Mellor is the founder and director of the company that is based at the Loughborough Innovation Centre. His background is in wireless systems and he was keen to develop wireless technology to reduce energy consumption in the commercial sector.

He said: "Energy monitoring systems have been developed by other companies before, but they were difficult to configure. This system is innovative in that it self-adjusts and you don't need specialist skills or a software engineer to make it work."

"Even the website is designed with a drag and drop display so each user can customise what information they choose to see."

To qualify for an Innovation Support Grant, the applicant must be based in the East Midlands and operating commercially in construction or an associated industry sector such as mining, quarrying, waste management, energy or water supply. They must also require technical or consultancy assistance for their idea, product or process and expect to protect or create jobs as a result.

The Sustainable Construction iNet is funded by East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The aim of the iNet is to share expertise and stimulate the research and development of new products, services and processes.

(JM/BMcc)