Halma Wins Chinese Business Award

Halma p.l.c. has won the Innovation Award at the British Business Awards in Shanghai, China. The Award recognises the achievements of Halma’s subsidiaries operating in China who, between them, have introduced over 130 innovative products to the Chinese market since 2006.

Over 20 Halma subsidiaries now operate in China in industries as diverse as water treatment and testing, industrial safety, photonics, laboratory instrumentation and health.

Organised by the British Chambers of Commerce in China, the British Business Awards recognise and promote excellence in innovation, enterprise and endeavour in the British business community in China. The Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner, held on 7 September in Shanghai, was attended by a host of VIPs including His Royal Highness Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, who is a UK Special Representative for International Trade and Investment.

The Innovation Award recognises organisations that are committed to research and development and introducing innovative and sustainable technology with practical applications. Halma won the award against very strong competition. The judges were particularly impressed by the broad sweep of applications to which Halma’s products are being used in China.

Some examples from Halma’s subsidiaries include:

• UV water disinfection systems from Hanovia, which have transformed the Chinese bottled water industry by offering chemical-free disinfection.

• Ocean Optics, who worked with the Research Institute of the Chinese Ministry of Public Security to develop an innovative contraband detecting device.

• Water leak detecting technology developed by Halma Water Management and used to minimise water loss at the 2008 Beijing Games and the 2010 Shanghai World Expo.

• Elevator door safety sensors developed by TL Jones and used in many of the country pavilions and public areas of the 2010 Shanghai World Expo.

• Perma Pure’s humidifiers used in the fuel cell vehicles used to ferry visitors around the 2010 Shanghai World Expo site.

Commenting on the award, Halma’s Chief Executive Andrew Williams said: “I am pleased that our efforts to build businesses in China which can create tailored solutions for Chinese customers have been recognised in this way. Innovation is one of Halma’s core values and we remain committed to increasing our investment in R&D with China.”

Speaking at the awards ceremony, UK Trade & Investment Chief Executive Sir Andrew Cahn said: “Tonight’s awards are about recognising the enormous achievements made by companies that are promoting British excellence, innovation, enterprise and endeavour in the business community across China as well as celebrating the success of Chinese companies in the UK.

“UK-China relations are growing at a rapid pace. Already this year UK exports of goods to China have increased by 45 per cent, while last year more than 74 Chinese companies invested in the UK. “It is companies like these, doing business on the ground, which are strengthening our business ties.”