A Stafford-based lawnmower manufacturer, which recently won a Queen’s Award for Enterprise, has praised the effect that the Smart Energy Network Demonstrator (SEND)* has had on their business.

Allett Mowers has specialised in the design and manufacture of precision, single-cylinder lawn mowers for more than 50 years. Director James Till approached Keele University for support in developing new battery-powered mowers to replace their petrol-powered machines, in order to make Allett’s products and processes in the most sustainable and environmentally-friendly ways possible.

Through one of the University’s fully-funded research, development and innovation projects, Allett was able to draw on the support of Keele’s experienced academics alongside a dedicated researcher – Archit Tamboli.

Over the course of the three-month project, the collaboration has enabled Allett to gather a large amount of indispensable research which will inform the development of a range of new electric-powered mowers, as well as improved manufacturing techniques.

Speaking about the project, James said:

“The SEND project has given us the opportunity to carry out independent research that would otherwise be outside of the company’s areas of expertise and financial resources.

“By working closely with Archit and the SEND team at Keele University, we at Allett have been able to gain a greater understanding of the factors surrounding sustainability and how our operations and products can have a positive contribution to the global and national targets on climate change.

“We were all blown away by Archit’s knowledge and ideas for the company going forward, and I would like to thank everyone involved in this process for enabling us to improve our manufacturing processes for years to come.”

For further information about Keele University’s Smart Energy Network Demonstrator project, and how other Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire SMEs could benefit from similar low-carbon and sustainable advancements, please visit keele.ac.uk/send.

Pictured above (L-R): James Till (Director, Allett Mowers); Archit Tamboli (Keele University student and SEND researcher); Mr Ian Dudson (Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire)

*The Smart Energy Network Demonstrator project (ref. 32R16P00706) is part-funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the England 2014 to 2020 European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) Growth Programme, and is available to ERDF eligible companies. The project is also receiving funds from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).