Freeplay Energy

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Freeplay Energy PLC
Type Public Limited Company
Founded 1994
Headquarters London, UK
Key people Rory Stear, Executive Chairman Peter Porteous, Chief Executive Officer
Industry Clean-energy consumer electronics
Products Radios, flashlights, lanterns, mobile phone chargers, generators
Revenue ~ USD $26M (2006)
Website Freeplay Energy

Freeplay Energy PLC (AIM: FRE), (formerly BayGen Power Industries, Freeplay Energy Group), is a manufacturer and distributor of dependable- and clean-energy products based in London, UK. The company (through the Freeplay Foundation) focuses on creating and developing the international market for self-sufficient energy products. It believes that such a focus will help promote education and access to important information throughout the developing world.[1]

Contents

[edit] History

[edit] The Clockwork Radio

While watching the BBC documentary Tomorrow's World in April 1994, corporate accountant Christopher Staines realized the potential of an innovative idea from British inventor, Trevor Baylis.[2] The Clockwork Radio, as the device was first known, was proposed as a means of providing better communication and education in undeveloped areas of Africa, which could lead to an effective measure in stopping the rampant spread of AIDS. Traditional radio, although widespread, relied on an electrical supply or the availability of disposable batteries - both of which were in short supply across the continent. Staines and his business partner, South African Rory Stear, immediately realized that the potential for self-sufficient electronics could go much further than radio and Africa. In 1995, they started BayGen Power Industries in Cape Town, South Africa, which would be renamed in 1999.[3] Starting with a grant from the British Government to develop the Clockwork Radio idea, subsequent investors have included Liberty Life[4], Gordon and Anita Roddick (of The Body Shop International PLC),[5] The General Electric Pension Trust,[6] South African Capital Growth Fund, and Worldspace Inc.[7]

[edit] Further Products

Freeplay Energy now produces a variety of consumer devices in addition to radios, including flashlights, lanterns, mobile phone chargers, and foot-powered generators. They have partnered with several major brands, including camping equipment giant Coleman.[8] Their Freeplay Lifeline radio is also exclusively available for humanitarian work, and is not available for general purchase.[9]

[edit] Awards and Recognition

Freeplay devices have captured acclaim on multiple occasions. The initial clockwork radio won the BBC Design Award in 1996,[10] and the Weza foot-powered generator won an Innovation in Water, Sanitation and Energy Services for Poor People award from the World Bank in 2006. [11] In 2007, the Indigo lantern was named a Consumer Electronics Show Innovations Awards Honoree. [12]

[edit] Brand With A Conscience

As world leader in energy efficiency, Freeplay Energy was internationally recognized as a ‘Brand with a Conscience’ by global branding and business think tank, the Medinge Group, as one of the nine diverse organizations singled out for "contribution to the betterment of the society by sustainable, socially responsible and humanistic behaviour"[13]

[edit] The Freeplay Foundation

In 1998, Freeplay Energy founded the Freeplay Foundation as an extension of their commitment to humanitarian work. Through the Foundation, the company has announced an agreement to supply UNICEF with Lifeline radios and provide electoral education in the Democratic Republic of Congo. To date, over 100,000 Lifeline radios are being used in humanitarian projects in over 20 countries.[14] In 2003, actor Tom Hanks was announced as their American ambassador,[15] and he and his wife Rita Wilson continue to provide support[16] to the foundation.[17] Organizational supporters include the International Red Cross, CARE, Warchild, The United Nations, and the European Union.

[edit] External links

[edit] References

  1. ^ Freeplay Energy Plc
  2. ^ Freeplay Energy Plc: History
  3. ^ Energy for Life
  4. ^ Trevor Baylis
  5. ^ The Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship
  6. ^ SA wind-up radio turns General Electric on
  7. ^ Worldspace Invests $6m In Wind-Up Digital Radio | Computergram International | Find Articles at BNET.com
  8. ^ Freeplay and Coleman Debut New Self Sufficient Radio and
  9. ^ TJT Design & Communication Inc
  10. ^ The Panorama of British Life: Technology, Business, Internet, News, Milestones, Life, People, Upcoming Events
  11. ^ Freeplay Foundation
  12. ^ 2008 International CES: 2007 Innovations Honorees
  13. ^ The Medinge Group press room: International think-tank announces 2007 Brands with a Conscience
  14. ^ Freeplay Foundation
  15. ^ Tom Hanks Believes in Lifeline Radios
  16. ^ EDC Feature Articles: Tom Hanks, Freeplay Foundation Donate Radios to EDC Project in Tanzania
  17. ^ Freeplay Foundation