The three award winners in the Innovation and Creativity category at the Hong Kong Awards for Industries have demonstrated that new concepts and technology, together with good service, are essential elements in offering valued-added solutions to existing businesses.
The judging panel, co-ordinated by the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, voted BannerShop, Comford Resource and Xpress Finance as award winners. There was no grand award winner in the category this year.
BannerShop, which has been in business for five years, has been credited with making the 'first-aid inkjet printing concept' popular in the local printing industry. Benny Foo Pei-pan, director of BannerShop, said the speed printing, 24-hour service delivery, tailor-made service and technical support were the founders' original ideas.
He said the new business model had lowered service charges, and had allowed it to expand to cover small businesses, individuals and the mass market. The judging panel praised BannerShop's efforts in raising service standards in the printing industry.
Comford Resource won the prize with its innovative Aircon Energy Saver (AES), which was used to improve energy efficiency in air conditioners. Unlike a traditional thermostat, AES installs special software to modulate the output of air-conditioning units, to prevent overshooting of the thermostat.
Peter Williams, chairman and founder of Comford Resource, said the AES could save up to 30 per cent on energy bills and reduce the dryness of the air caused by the air conditioners' cooling process. The judging panel rewarded Comford Resource for its ability to provide a practical solution to conserve electricity consumption and reduce costs.
