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1 Client McBurney Scientific McBurney Scientific are launching a new product that will harness improved sensor technology for measuring soil moisture with wireless data communication and the processing power and convenience of the hand-held computer. Consumers demand high quality fruit and vegetables as well as environmentally sensitive methods of crop production. A major element in meeting these demands is getting the correct amount and timing of irrigation (irrigation scheduling). To meet this requirement, a novel soil moisture sensor has been developed that is rugged, accurate and suitable for volume production using modern micro-fabrication technology.
Soil Level Sensor PDA 2 Critical Issue Gaps in the marketing information in McBurney’s business plan and its presentation, affecting the company’s ability to attract financial support. 3 What we did 1. We started with a Discovery Meeting to understand McBurney’s ideas and identify how we could help. During this we discussed the market for the moisture sensor, its design and how it would be made. We also had a look at McBurney’s business plan. The outcome of the meeting was that there were gaps in Terry’s market information and that this should be filled through desk research and direct contact with potential customers. 2. We pointed McBurney at the additional information required and helped design a telephone questionnaire for use with potential customers and users. 3. After the telephone survey had been carried out, we helped McBurney analyse the information and build the findings into his business plan. 4. We then helped McBurney make applications for financial support, putting the company in touch with potential funders and helping with written proposals and presentations. 4 Outcome McBurney’s business plan is now more market led complementing the company’s expertise in the moisture measurement technology field. McBurney Scientific have recently (Oct 2003) won the Lord Stafford Award for Development in Innovation, awarded to the business that demonstrates the greatest potential for a product or process that has been developed in association with a West Midlands University or Higher Education College. McBurney have also been successful with grant applications and have corporate partners lined up for 2004. 6 More information Contact | |||||||||||
