Redundancy is focus for invention

OLDHAM’S economy is driven by local businesses working hard for the good of local people.

And we want to do everything we can to support local industry and retail — and help it to thrive. We want to hear from businesses — large and small — who have some GOOD news to report.

We will do our best to feature your company and give it it publicity it deserves in a bid to be successful. Just let us know — we’ll do the rest.A FORMER Ferranti electronics engineer has developed an advertising and media presentation system which he is aiming at small businesses.

John Whittle, (58), from Uppermill, has established Glengarth Media Services to sell and distribute his product, which he is taking to market with the aid of professional advice from the InBiz, a new business mentoring organisation.

Tests of his screen and DVD-based system in Boarshurst Band Club, Greenfield — John is a flugel horn player with the band — have proved successful and he is now seeking small, retail businesses to trial the system.

“Basically it’s an interesting design for picture illumination for which I have applied for a patent, the results of which will hopefully come through by October,” he said.

Mr Whittle made a presentation to the last meeting of Saddleworth Business Association and received enough positive feedback to believe there could be a market for his invention. He added: “I have been out of work for two years now, since I was made redundant by Thales Engineering at the end of a sonar contract for submarines, and haven’t been able to land a job.

“I have got close a couple of times, but I decided to put my expertise with screen technology to good use and have come up with what I believe is a cost-efficient advertising and media presentation system.

“I can provide the hardware on a lease basis and deliver the tailor-made packages and though the pricing has yet to be agreed, the costs will be in line with what small businesses can afford in the current climate.

“This system can create an impact, there is no doubt about that, as I have proved at the band club.

“Now I need to take the product to the next level and get some customers,” he concluded.