British
switch, socket and dimmerswitch manufacturer Doyle & Tratt Products
Ltd has won the UK’s most prestigious award for business achievement. The Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the category of Continuous
Innovation and Development rewards the winner for demonstrating
substantial improvement in business performance and commercial success as
a result of their innovation over at least 5 years.
The
Queen makes the Awards on the advice of the Prime Minister, who is
assisted by an Advisory Committee, which includes representatives of
government, industry and the trade unions.
Better
known under its brand name, VARILIGHT®,
the Horsham-based company has been manufacturing dimmer switches since
1972. Today, VARILIGHT®
switches, sockets, dimmerswitches and other accessories are widely
available in retail outlets, DIY stores, trade suppliers and distributors
throughout the UK. In addition, the
company is dominant in the OEM sector, supplying dimmerswitch modules to
British and European electrical wiring manufacturers, contributing to a
large market share.
The
submission centred on the breakthroughs the company has made in
dimmerswitch technology such as its microprocessor-controlled Intelligent
Dimmers. This diverse range includes touch and remote control dimmers that
can learn to respond to any conventional remote control handset. The
technology provides for dimmers that can be tailored to specific
applications such as nursery lighting and simulated occupancy for home
security. It also included
reference to the wide variety of Varilight decorative metal styles and
finishes available from cool and contemporary Brushed Steel to elegant and
classical Polished Brass ranges, as well as the recently developed
minimalist “Screwless” range with hidden fixings.
Managing
Director, Dr Tony Doyle, said, “We are extremely proud to have achieved
this exciting award as recognition for our accomplishments.
In these difficult times for British Industry trying to compete
with Far Eastern imports, our success is even more exceptional.
Innovation is the key to not only surviving, but leading in
business today.”
The
company’s ability to diversify through innovation is demonstrated by the
development of the world’s first truly dimmable compact fluorescent
lamp, to be launched later this summer. This revolutionary technology
combines the energy-saving properties of fluorescent lamps with those
inherent in a dimmer switch. Industry experts predict that the ability to
control light levels will broaden the appeal of compact fluorescent lamps
– a vital element in the government’s strategy to reduce carbon
emissions.
Dr
Doyle comments, “At a time when governments have energy-saving high on
their agenda and with energy costs soaring, we believe our new product
combination will appeal to local authorities, industry and householders
alike. Our research has shown
potential savings of over £100 and 500kg less CO2
produced over the lifetime of a single bulb compared to a standard
incandescent bulb. In the
past there may have been some reluctance to change to energy-saving bulbs,
which may be due in part to their inability to be dimmed.”
Furthermore,
a range of dimmable fluorescent luminaires is planned for launch under the
VARILIGHT®
brand later in the year.