UK Enterprise 2020

30 | UK Enterprise Awards 2020 Incorporated in September 2018, ElectriCast Limited is a Northern Irish company that manufactures and retails a new innovative heating technology, ElectriCast. Owned and operated by the man behind this genius invention, Mr Shane McCrory, the ElectriCast business manufactures and sells low wattage electric cast iron radiators that is CE marked in conformance with the EU Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU and Eco-design Directive 2009/125/EC Lot 20. We find out more about the product itself, as we highlight it as a shining example of British inventiveness and innovation. Most Innovative Heating Solution 2020 Jun20479 ElectriCast is a cost-effective heating solution, using the properties of cast iron along with a low-wattage electric input that helps to reduce any generated carbon footprint. The ElectriCast radiators produce affordable and clean heat that can be custom coloured which is sure to complement any living area, whilst providing comfortable levels of fully controllable heat where it is needed without the need to plumb. Traditionally, cast iron radiators have been used to heat large spaces, including the likes of chapels, churches, and schools. As high conductors, they give off ample amounts of heat and unlike steel radiators retain heat for longer once turned off. ElectriCast radiators maintain the properties of the original traditional radiators but modernise it for the world of today. Each new radiator from ElectriCast comes with a remote control to provide multiple options for heating and timed programmes, providing an ambient temperature for the user. However, the story of ElectriCast began long ago with founder and inventor Shane McCrory. At a young age, Mr McCrory began working at his father’s business, The Bath Doctor. The passion that Mr McCrory’s father had for his own work inspired the young man to create a product of his own and expand the business further. Thus, Mr McCrory began to develop his own product. He began with building and re-enamelling cast iron radiators, and this is where the concept of what would become ElectriCast Radiators came to fruition. Mr McCrory spotted a gap in the market to re-invent the traditional cast iron radiator and set about combining the traditional design with modern technology to make it an affordable and efficient heating solution. There are two key components to the heater; the heater body, and the heating element and controller. The radiators themselves are thermal fluid filled and, using a low-wattage electrical element, the fluid is heated to the required temperature. Though the process can take up to a maximum of one hour, the heat is then regulated and maintained by the radiator’s thermostat or remote control programme. Once the element is then switched off, the radiator will continue radiating heat out into the room. ElectriCast is ahead of its time as it combines maximum heating efficiencies with low running costs. In keeping with guidelines and regulations from across the EU and the wider world, ElectriCast products are suitable for both residential and commercial heating. To date, the majority of customers have been residential, along with a small number of sports clubs and commercial businesses. Across the world, there has been a growth in electric space heaters that can be attributed to volatile fuel prices that has led to consumers and businesses looking for alternative methods of space heating. Customers are increasingly keeping themselves updated about energy efficient space heating options, technology advancements, and the demand for efficient space heaters will drive the growth of this market further. Other such trends within the space heating and heating industries include the global and governmental push for energy efficiency. Backed by the government in the United Kingdom, there has been a widespread deployment of energy efficiency measures across the country’s buildings strategies to meet net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 in order to tackle fuel poverty and cut energy bills. The United Kingdom has a diverse building stock that will require different energy efficiency remedies. Some of the challenges will include tailoring solutions to period homes, off-grid homes, and tower blocks. Only around fifteen percent of the existing stock was built after 1990, meaning that the majority of homes were built before the introduction of standards for insulation and energy performance. The internal culture at ElectriCast is just as exceptional as the fantastic levels of innovation and business acumen that Mr McCrory has shown during his time as leader of the company. Mr McCrory himself believes in his product, and the high levels of customer satisfaction that it can deliver. He has achieved personal satisfaction in seeing his idea move from the innovation and testing stages, through to being sold and highly regarded by his current customers. Mr McCrory brings an infectious desire, a determination to succeed, energy, passion, and optimism to his role of managing ElectriCast. Throughout his career, Mr McCrory has always been a commercially astute businessman and articulate salesman with exceptional passion for the product. His attitude also filters through to the staff, who are fully trained on the product and its various uses. They are taught how it works, its advantages for the customer, and the beneficial impact it can have on people’s lives in terms of money-saving and comfort. The entire business is continually involved in new product development to expand the energy efficiency products that are available to the market. COVID-19 has meant that people are spending more time in their homes and heating them properly has become a necessity for many. Especially for those living alone or working from home, the solution must be focused on heating one or two rooms rather than the whole house and racking up an enormous bill. ElectriCast is only part one of Mr McCrory’s vision for what the heating industry could become. The firm is now actively working on a more advanced technology to provide hot water to homes through an all-in-one heating and hot water system that is powered completely by electricity. If it were to be combined with renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, then ElectriCast could considerably and dramatically help to reduce the carbon footprint of clients all over the United Kingdom. Mr McCrory’s reputation for pristine workmanship and high standards of customer service have assisted with the start-up of ElectriCast, and will no doubt continue to serve the firm well into the future.