RIVER Canal Rescue has won the Leading Innovation category at this year’s Breaking the Mould Awards, run by Keele University.
Tutors nominated RCR director Jay Forman for the award, recognising his research and development work into hydrogen boat systems, the environmental bilge filter, Bilgeaway, and mapping, route-planning and membership app WaterNav. They were also impressed by Jay’s management of the launch of River Coastal Rescue in Perth, Australia.
He said: “The award came as a complete surprise and shows just how much we have going on behind the scenes. The hydrogen, high temperature and butane fuel cell project is temporarily on hold while we focus on the Australia operation, but I’ll continue to progress other projects and am keen to look into artificial intelligence in our sector and emerging markets.”
Jay was invited to spend six months at Keele in early 2022, to help grow what tutors described as a ‘innovation-led’ business and develop an over-arching strategy to progress RCR’s many projects. It soon became apparent, however, that Jay’s growth plans and strategies were well on track.
In addition to working with Keele University on high-level management strategies, Jay collaborates with Birmingham University on his hydrogen fuel project and Stafford University for IT development.
Jay concluded: “While our 24/7 breakdown and emergency assistance service remains at the heart of our business, it’s important to innovate and see how else we can support the boating community.”
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