Inventro wins Gripple award

An electronic device, designed to help farmers install stock fencing on their own, has won an award from Sheffield innovation specialist Gripple for its young creator.

By The Newsroom

Published 1st Aug 2007, 16:34 BST

Updated 22nd Aug 2007, 12:42 BST

Gripples are used worldwide in the installation of agricultural fencing, which is why Derek Boaler, director of Gripple's innovation and ideas centre, was attracted by 18-year-old Robert Fillingham’s entry for the 2007 Young Engineer for Britain contest.

The Sheffield firm sponsored a special prize for innovation, which was awarded to Robert at the regional finals of the contest, organised by SETPOINT South Yorkshire and held at Sheffield Hallam University.

Mr Boaler said: "I was greatly impressed by Robert's well-researched and innovative approach to finding a practical solution to the problem he had himself identified, which is why he deserved to be awarded the Gripple prize."

In addition to a 100 prize and certificate, Robert will visit the home of the Gripple - The Old West Gun Works - to learn more about agricultural fencing.

Sheffield Britain