Birmingham 'eco-firm' features in new Government initiative

A pioneering Birmingham eco-company is showcased on the new ‘Building Britain’s Future’ website, launched today by the Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

BioFuels International MD Peter Morrison and fellow Director Sharon Warmington’s eco-fuel ‘Leaf Log’ is featured as an example of an innovative product which is helping to drive growth and speed technological change in an increasingly competitive high-tech, low carbon economy.

Leaf Log – invented by Peter - is made from 70 per cent leaves; in stark contrast to existing eco-fuels which are made predominantly from wax.

Peter explains: “We use a natural material that has ended its life by collecting fallen leaves. Leaves actually take two years to fully decompose and release methane into the atmosphere.

“The leaves are compressed into a 1.2 kg cylinder, which then burns for over two hours. The only residue left is a tiny amount of ash which itself is biodegradable.”

The product also received attention from Ben Way who appeared in Channel Four’s The Secret Millionaire and gave an undisclosed amount to help launch the Leaf Log product globally.

Since launching Leaf Log in November 2008, the company has added two other products; Leaf Lite firelighters – the longest burning fuel lighter on the market - and Rustic Log – a product designed to support the Government’s initiative to stop disposing of old wood into landfills by 2010.

Rustic Log is made of all types of reclaimed natural/clean wood for disposal e.g. old doors.

Peter and Sharon spent nine months researching and testing Leaf Log prior to its launch. Peter believes this is a key point for any product developer.

“We did a lot of research before seeking advice about launching the product to market. Developers can make the mistake of having a great idea and hoping that a business adviser will fill in all the gaps for them.

“To get the best advice and support means you have to really know your product and the market and that way you will get the very best from your consultations.”

Peter has been working with Business Link West Midlands over the course of nine years. “I launched Innovation Station Limited as the umbrella company for my ideas and had advice from Business Link from the very beginning,” he said..

“I’ve had a long relationship with Richard Stannard over the years at Business Link and it has been invaluable.

“Business Link has been involved at every stage of our development. They have linked us with local businesses and potential investors and continue to help us market our product.”

Richard Stannard at Business Link views his role as a mirror for the businesses he gives advice to. “I act as a conduit for businesses to gain the advice and resources they need to become successful and remain successful.

“My role with the company was to ensure I gave them the right advice to make sure they had a business in the future. I’ve recommended that they patent the Leaf Log product, which prevents copy cat productions that would take away their market advantage.

“This is the approach taken by Coca Cola who have never disclosed their ‘recipe’ although others have come close to replicating it. It is fantastic that Peter’s product is being recognised for its innovation by the Cabinet Office and recently won a £40,000 award from Shell Springboard, which recognises environmental advancement.”

For more information on ‘Building Britain’s Future’, please visit www.number10.gov.uk