Brilliant Ideas chosen as Innovation Champion
THE owner of an Derbyshire firm that invents and manufactures construction safety products has been crowned Innovation Champion 2021 at the Building Innovation Awards.
Chris Massey, managing director of Brilliant Ideas in Ashbourne, was presented with the award at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester.
The scheme recognises some of the most forward-thinking individuals and businesses that are transforming the UK construction industry.
Innovations developed by Brilliant Ideas include a strong and safe crane support mat system, lightweight pallet-lifting device, a pole driller which can drill into concrete soffits up to four metres working at ground level, a safety net recovery system, and simple hole cover which quickly and safely covers hazards on site.
A new range of products is due to be launched next year.
Mr Massey said: “I’m honoured and delighted to have won this award and to have had the opportunity to celebrate with so many colleagues and friends.
“It was a brilliant night of achievements across the board – there were 20 different awards categories and some exceptional winners.
“I honestly believe that this country can lead the world in innovation because we’ve got the talent to do it.
“Last year was challenging for us all, so it was great to see everyone in high spirits.
“A proper get-together in Manchester is just what we needed”.
Mr Massey started developing problem-solving innovations more than 30 years ago and they are used by Severfield, Ainscough, BAM, Balfour
Beatty, Costain, Willmott Dixon, Bison Precast, FP McCann and Kier.
Earlier in the year, the company scooped a further 12 award nominations for innovation.
Mr Massey said: “When I couldn’t find the products on the market to improve safety for my employees, I headed to the drawing board and invented my own.
“As soon as I see a potential problem on site, I start to think of ways to overcome it – there are already more inventions in the pipeline, which we’re looking forward to rolling out next year.”