Warwickshire News Mine

BeforeUdig.co.uk, a service offered and owned by Melbourne based PelicanCorp, has relocated its UK operation to Warwick Technology Park.

The company were first introduced to the West Midlands in 2007 by Advantage West Midlands (AWM). BeforeUdig considered a number of sites in the UK before enrolling on AWM’s Bridge To Growth Programme at Warwick Science Park, which offers incentives to UK starts ups including six months rent-free accommodation.

As the rent-free period came to an end, BeforeUdig investigated what alternative accommodation was available in the local area. Warwickshire Investment Partnership, part of Warwickshire County Council provided details of several options for consideration, with the company deciding that Warwick Innovation Centre was the place to be.

Marcus Edwards, Managing Director of BeforeUdig Europe, said: “The West Midlands was an ideal location at the heart of the UK to establish the new business. We were particularly impressed with the support available to UK start-ups in this region. Advantage West Midlands provided valuable support with our initial set up, and Warwickshire Investment Partnership made the relocation process hassle free, with their assistance in identifying our new base.”

Cllr Chris Saint, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, said: “I’m delighted that BeforeUdig has remained in Warwickshire and the sub-region. This area of the West Midlands is at the cutting edge of innovation and research and development, so being based in Warwick is the perfect location for Marcus and his team.”

BeforeUdig has developed specialist online technology to prevent workmen from digging holes and hitting underground assets by mistake.

Beforeudig.co.uk has been launched in the UK where it is possible to login to the step-by-step web software and request underground asset plans. The service will be free until February 2009 after which it will cost £20 (+VAT) per Plan Request.

The service works by sending a Plan Request to any Asset Owner who have assets at or near the proposed dig location, Asset Owners then respond directly back to the contractor.

Marcus said: "By reducing the risk of cable and pipeline accidents at dig sites, our service is not only potentially saving lives and injuries to workmen, it is also reducing disruption of key services to the community.

"Four to five million holes are dug each year on the UK road network alone, so this is a planning service that has a vital role to play in several ways. It promotes safety, reduces the threat of accidental disruption to services and also reduces the potential cost of additional repairs as a result of cutting a cable or pipe by accident.

The company is expecting to create around 15 jobs in years to come.

Link to WCC