Cable meets brains behind new British inventions

The report by EEF and Siemens, kicked off Manufacturing, Science and Technology Week at the International Festival for Business and sets out to demonstrate that British inventiveness is still alive and kicking. It looks at Britain's heritage in bringing life-changing inventions to the world and reveals cutting-edge British inventions that show every potential of being counted as future 'greats'. The Business Secretary met students and staff from the UTC along with many of the inventors and products featured in the report. These included: • A model of Airlander by Hybrid Air Vehicles, the world's largest aircraft and most sophisticated airship. • A demonstration of Raspberry Pi by Raspberry Pi Foundation, a tiny computer no bigger than a credit card. • A model of Skylon, a multi-use, pilotless aircraft, capable of hypersonic speed and flying into space. • A model remotely operated vehicle and a remotely controlled robotic arm from Soil Machine Dynamics. He also saw the i-limb by Touch Bionics, which is said to be so dexterous that the wearer can peel a banana and turn a key in a lock. Terry Scuoler, chief executive of EEF, said: "We hope that these magnificent inventions will open eyes to the creativity and resourcefulness going on within these shores today. Inventiveness is written in our DNA, but it must be properly supported by ensuring a strong and steady flow of young people with the right skills to carry it on."