In a regular feature each fortnight, Caerphilly Observer is profiling a business based at the Welsh Innovation Centre for Enterprise. Welsh ICE is a hub for new businesses at Caerphilly Business Park and is home to around 85 start-ups. This week we look at Blackwood Embedded Solutions.
Blackwood Embedded Solutions
Blackwood Embedded Solutions was established by Anthony Giles in 2008.
As its name suggests, the company was originally based in Blackwood and moved to Welsh ICE in March this year.
The company designs electronic systems and software for a range of devices – most notably for the medical industry.
Anthony explained: “An embedded system is a hidden system – a computer based on a chip rather than a standalone computer.
“My background is medical electronics, which I’ve been working in since I was 18. I’ve done everything from production line to design.
“I worked for a number of companies over the years and then I was put in touch with a company that were looking for a contractor and that’s how the company was started.
“That was 2008 and then the recession kicked-in. Three months after that first contract ended there was no work at all, but since then we have gone from strength-to-strength.
“Things have really taken off though in the last two years.”
The company has since grown to nine staff members and was a finalist in last year’s Caerphilly Business Forum Awards.
Products the company has helped develop include a device to clear smoke in laparoscopic surgery and it is currently working on drug delivery system for a client.
In the space of just three years, the firm has worked with clients to get seven products to market.
It is now looking to further its growth by developing its own products.
Anthony said: “It’s going really well here at ICE. There is lots of mentoring and advice available to help us grow.”
Keen to support its home community, the company sponsors Blackwood RFC and the Blackwood Stars rugby team.
For more information on the company visit www.blackwoodembeddedsolutions.co.uk or call 02921 202098.