Ecl-ips is celebrating its win at the recent North Worcestershire Business Awards claiming the top spot in the ‘Best use of Technology’ award category at the event at Hogarths Stone Manor near Kidderminster.
Ecl-ips beat two other finalists: Redditch-based TSR Electrical Group and StarkEV, an electrical vehicle charging point installer to win. The security installer was among the 30 local businesses that were shortlisted for an award.
The winning entry centred on the technology that is provided by its vape detector offering, the HALO Smart Sensor manufactured by IPVideo in the USA. Ecl-ips was one of the first companies in the UK to identify the potential of the technology that provides real-time alerts of vaping as well as providing indoor air quality monitoring.
This sensor has supported schools in the UK to tackle the problem of the rising numbers of young people who are vaping. Schools are finding that students are disrupting lessons by asking to go to the toilet and creating an intimidating atmosphere in the school toilets because more students are gathering in them to vape.
When combined with strengthened behaviour policies and the use of CCTV outside the toilets to confirm the identities of students, the vape detector has proved to be effective at improving pupil behaviour and reducing vaping at school.
Ecl-ips customer, Charlotte Slattery Deputy Head Teacher at St Joseph’s College in Stoke-on-Trent, said: “I had dithered about it for over twelve months due to the cost but it has been transformational for us. We started with only two devices in our worst areas and have now ordered another five to go into more toilets.”
The North Worcestershire Business Awards were judged by an independent panel that said the finalists reflect “an impressive range of diverse businesses, all showcasing their commitment to growth, sustainability and adding extra value for customers.” Now in their sixth year the awards are organised by North Worcestershire Business Leaders (NWBL) and the local authorities in North Worcestershire in partnership with Hogarths Stone Manor.
