Regional Innovation Scales up for Success

Consider this all too familiar airport scenario. Upon reaching the front of the check-in queue, your penance for over packing is dealt. Your fears are confirmed; your luggage exceeds weight restrictions, but what can you do? Repack your bags in a hurry? Leave some belongings behind? Resignedly pay excess charges?

Here’s where Weigh-ahead come in…

Weigh-ahead are the entrepreneurs behind a range of brand new patented systems that allow passengers to weigh their luggage before they reach airport check-in desks, avoid charges and still get all their belongings on-board!

Weigh-ahead UKENA recognised the opportunity to build a business based on solving this problem for passengers and offering airports a way to enhance their services and generate extra revenue. With extensive commercial marketing support from think M., Weigh-ahead were able to develop a technologically advanced, accredited system and a solid strategy for realising returns.

‘think M. have been critical to our success. The team has walked beside us, and has been very creative in helping us engage and secure commercial interest from airport operators and related target customers’

Gerard Stewart, Managing Director, Weigh Ahead

Results are impressive. Weigh-ahead recently secured a major six figure contract with the multi-national airport services provider, Bagport GMBH. In partnership with this international giant, Weigh-ahead plans to enter airports all across the world. In 2009 the partnership intends to install machines in pre-selected airports across the UK as well as running pilot installations in the USA.

"We are very positive about marketing Weigh-ahead systems worldwide. The offer fits perfectly into our future designs and can contribute much in terms of helping us to establish ourselves as a global niche specialist"

Sven Stohn, Chief Executive, Bagport Group

Those familiar with the products are very optimistic about the future and potential to continue evolving the proposition with sustained innovation and a sharp eye on business and end-user needs.

Weigh-ahead UKENA have also been announced as the winners of the Business Start-up category in the North Tyneside Small Business Awards, receiving recognition for innovation in their new business and celebrating their success to date. The award reflects Weigh-ahead’s achievement in developing a concept that is of true value to passengers and airports alike.

think M. , who have been instrumental in consolidating the relationship with Bagport, continue to support further market channel developments for Weigh-ahead.

‘For the team at think M., it is a pleasure to be involved in supporting this regional innovation and we continue to be encouraged by companies like Weigh-ahead who add to their accomplishments in defiance of bleak economic commentary’

Joanna Westerman, Senior Marketing Executive, think M.

There is a diverse range of funding and support available in the North of England to support effective commercial development of such opportunities. If you are looking to develop your market, access new clients, or introduce new products and services, give Joanna at think M. a call on 0191 211 1957, or email joanna@think-m.co.uk to see how our growing team can assist you.

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