An enterprising student who saved a manufacturing company almost half-a-million pounds made it to the final of national business competition.

Kate Oseman, who studies electrical and electronic engineering at the University of Sussex, was shortlisted for the Most Enterprising Student of the Year award.

The 22-year-old designed two alternative cash-drawer mechanisms for Newhaven-based Cash Bases while on an eight-week placement with the company.

Her designs, which improved on the old firing mechanism, made the drawers more stable and were cheaper to assemble, were enough to convince judges in the South East heat.

From 1,100 entries she went toe-to-toe with 11 finalists in London last week. Unfortunately she failed to win the overall prize but she was far from downhearted.

She said: "I am thrilled to have come this far in a nationally-recognised competition. My experience at Cash Bases this summer has not only helped me understand how to practically apply my skills in a business environment, it has increased my confidence in my own abilities which I know will stand me in good stead for the future."

Kate was told to investigate whether or not the current till systems used by the company could be improved upon. But Cash Bases got more than they bargained for.

Managing director Philip Stone said: "Kate was assigned to research alternative mechanisms for firing cash drawers.

"She investigated and proposed two new mechanisms using alternative linear solenoids that would require fewer components, were cheaper to assemble and improved both strength and balance."

He added: "Kate fully deserves this accolade and we are fantastically proud of what she has achieved. Innovation and fresh thinking are at the core of our business and Kate highlighted just how important this is in the eight weeks she was here. Quite apart from the impressive cost savings in her solutions, the energy, enthusiasm and different way of approaching the project helped invigorate everyone who worked with her."

Kate's prototype designs, if implemented, will have huge cost-saving benefits for the company. It is estimated that through reduced production times and component costs, an annual saving of £480,000 can be achieved for the company.

The annual awards are run by the Shell Technology Enterprise Programme and backed by the regional development agency, SEEDA.

Patsie Sutcliffe, Sussex manager for STEP, at the Sussex Innovation Centre, said the scheme was "invaluable in helping to foster innovation in the UK." She said: "It is particularly helpful to firms which may have projects on the back burner, or lack the necessary manpower or technology to see an idea through to fruition."

Ed Metcalfe, head of science technology entrepreneurship and management at SEEDA, said: "The programme is a really effective way for businesses to make the most of our universities and I would like to encourage more businesses to use the STEP programme."

Tuesday, November 1, 2005