Unique front protection at National Museum

Visitors to the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea can look forward to seeing a pair of boxer shorts which are helping to protect soldiers against blast injuries caused by the Taliban’s roadside bombs in Afghanistan.
 
Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) are the single biggest cause of deaths and injuries to troops serving in Afghanistan.  To help protect our troops from IED related injuries to the groin area, Cardiff-based survival equipment specialists, BCB International Ltd, created a pair of boxer shorts made from Kevlar called ‘Blast Boxers’.  The invention will be on display at the National Waterfront Museum’s forthcoming ‘Frontiers Gallery’ which will showcase some of the latest innovations in Wales.
 
BCB International’s Blast Boxers Project Manager, Jonathan Delf, said:  ”The Blast Boxers are making a real difference to the safety of soldiers who wear them.  We are absolutely delighted to see the Blast Boxers on display in such an important Institution.  We wholeheartedly support the ‘Frontiers Gallery’ because it will celebrate some of the innovative products made by Welsh Businesses and hopefully inspire future generations of world-beating Welsh inventors.”

Welsh Conservatives' leader visits BCB

The leader of the Welsh Conservative Group in the National Assembly, Andrew Davies AM, visited BCB  where he was briefed about a number of the company’s latest innovations including an air-pressurised cannon that stops pirates in their tracks, an environmentally friendly outdoor cooking fuel made from British grown sugar cane as well as a small and lightweight unmanned aerial vehicle ideal for surveillance tasks.
 
Andrew Davies was briefed by BCB International Ltd’s Managing Director, Andrew Howell, who said: “We were delighted to welcome Andrew Davies to our Headquarters and brief him about a number of new exciting products we are working on. We are a company that doesn’t stand still; we continuously look to manufacture new innovative products that help to save lives.  We look forward to welcoming Andrew Davies back.”
 
Following his visit, Andrew Davies said: “This was a fascinating visit and it was great to be kept abreast of developments in this field. Some of the products that they have recently developed bring to mind James Bond or Harry Palmer, but on a serious note it is great to see the efforts that they put in to raising the standards for security and safety equipment.”
 
“I was also interested to discuss the support that the Welsh Government can and does provide to businesses of their size and genre. A number of interesting issues were raised and I am looking forward to discussing these matters again with BCB in the near future.”

NSPCC Everest Climb

On Friday, 16^th March at 1pm in the Hilton Hotel, Cardiff, a lunch compered by the Chairman of the WRU, David Pickering, will be held in support of a climb of Everest that will be attempted on 18^th March by twelve Welsh Adventurers, including BCB Boss, Andrew Howell, in aid of the children’s Charity the NSPCC
 
“Neglect is the primary reason 46% of children are on the child protection register.  Children under 1 year old face four times the average risk of child homicide”.  

The NSPCC:

·         Will be at the heart of every school in the UK
·         Gives people the skills to keep children safe
·         Fights for the children’s rights
·         Has the authority to help the most vulnerable

BCB Boss gets on his bike for charity

BCB International's  boss, Andrew Howell, will be swapping the board room for a 400km bike trek across California with Welsh Rugby legends in aid of the Velindre Cancer Centre.
 
In September 2012, Andrew Howell will be teaming up with Welsh Rugby legends Jonathan Davies, Martyn Williams and Mike Hall on the ‘California Bike Ride’ to cycle nearly 400km in five days from Yosemite to San Francisco across the Sierra Nevada Mountains averaging 70km a day, with a longest day of 110 km and spending around 8-9 hours in the saddle.
 
Andrew Howell said: “Each year, the staff at the Velindre Cancer Centre provide the best possible care and support to thousands of Cancer sufferers here in Wales.  They helped my wife beat Cancer.
 
“I wanted to do my bit to help raise funds to help Velindre continue to provide excellent Cancer Care to those who need it.  They are a jewel in the Welsh Medical Crown.  I would urge people to donate whatever they can because behind every penny donated is a life potentially saved.”
 
Anyone wishing to support Andrew Howell by going to www.justgiving.com/Andrew-Howell1 or send a cheque made payable to ‘Velindre Fundraising’
with Andrew Howell’s name on the back to
Velindre Cancer Centre,
Whitchurch, Cardiff, CF14 2TL
 

Anti-piracy innovations make waves

Listen to the following BBC piece to find out how BCB International's non-lethal air pressurised launchers are helping in the fight against sea piracy.

BBC showcases 'Sandbagger"

BCB International's Research and Development Manager, Will Hocking, spoke with the BBC about BCB's Sandbagger which offers bags more protection against the damage caused by floods to our homes and properties.  You can listen to the interview and watch a short video of the Sandbagger in action at:  http://vimeo.com/32894665

BCB on the BBC

Check out the BBC's article about BCB International Ltd which includes an eye-catching video of the Wall Breaker.

Cardiff students visit ‘crème de la crème’ manufacturer

A group of students from Radyr Comprehensive School, Cardiff, were given a rare behind the scenes tour of a Cardiff-based company which makes gadgets for the military.
 
As part of a Welsh Assembly Government backed scheme to help students understand the benefits and advantages of being able to communicate in foreign languages in the workplace, the Radyr students were shown around the Headquarters of survival equipment specialists, BCB International Ltd, in the French Language by BCB’s French-speaking PR Manager, Philippe Minchin. 
 
Following the visit Philippe Minchin said: “We were absolutely delighted to welcome the students to our Headquarters.  During their visit the students were shown examples of how being able to communicate in Foreign Languages gives the company a competitive edge. 
 
“BCB International trades in 96 countries and communicating in the customer’s native language increases their confidence in the benefits of doing business with us.

“I would encourage all language students to keep on learning other languages because language skills are very much sought after in companies like BCB International who operate in International markets.”
 
The visit was organised by CILT Cymru, a Welsh Government organisation which aims to encourage pupils in Wales to continue to learn languages.  CILT Cymru’s BLC coordinator, Bethan Enticott, said: “Today’s visit to BCB International was nothing short of inspiring for the Radyr pupils. They clearly left the session motivated to carry on with their language learning! CILT Cymru would like to thank BCB International for providing such an unforgettable and eye opening experience for the pupils. They really do now realise that languages are a big advantage in business”

Read more about the visit:
http://www.ciltcymru.org.uk/business-language-champions-case-studies/french-is-no-longer-just-for-the-classroom-at-radyr-comprehensive-school-thanks-to-bcb-international/

Palm sized UAV is a hit

A new Nano Unmanned Aerial System (NUAS) that sits on the palm of a hand is set to be a hit with the military,  law enforcement agencies and security professionals .
 
BCB International Ltd, the UK based manufacturers of military survival and protective equipment, teamed up with robotics experts at Middlesex University in England to develop the SQ-4 which is believed to be the first lightweight British made NUAS.
 
BCB International's Robotics Projects Manager, Barry Davies, said: "The SQ-4 takes surveillance to new heights. Weighing in below 60 grams (2.9 oz) 2 units fits snugly into a soldier's daypack from which it can be in the air in less than 25 seconds. Using First person View (FPV) it does away with complicated laptops, allowing rapid deployment.
 
“It is absolutely ideal for troops on the ground who want to 'look over the hill' and watch enemy movement or for security professionals who want to see inside a building or over a wall.  Flying silently, it can hover discreetly over a targeted area or 'perch and stare' using day or night vision. Unlike your wayward boomerang, the SQ-4 knows its way home.  If the operator starts losing control or when the battery reaches 30%, the SQ-4 will automatically return to the launch point. Using new Lithium Sulphur battery technology, the SQ-4 is set to break all duration and trust records for Nano flight"

To watch a video of the device in action go to:   http://vimeo.com/29777656  or http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006m9ry
 

Minister Visits BCB

Wales Office Minister David Jones visited Cardiff-based, BCB International Limited, which is making waves as a global supplier and manufacturer of live-saving specialist defence equipment.

BCB International is an established leader in the field of protective and survival equipment and has become a trusted supplier for troops serving in operations overseas. The company has evolved from its early days as a cough medicine supplier, to become a major exporter of cutting-edge technologies and slick product design.

David Jones met with Andrew Howell, Managing Director, BCB International to discuss how the company is branching out to new markets and developing new products.

Mr Jones said: “It is important to recognise the role played by small businesses such as BCB International, who are the backbone of Wales’s economy. It goes to show that a little Welsh innovation goes a long way – saving and protecting the lives of those hundreds and thousands of miles away, in often challenging and hostile environments.

“Small businesses like BCB International are reaching out to international markets and through doing so putting Wales on the map. As set out in the UKTI’s ‘Britain open for Business’ strategy, we want to see more smaller companies exporting overseas, in order to spur growth and create sustainable jobs.
“In Wales, small and medium size firms employ nearly 60% of all private sector workers so it is particularly encouraging to see BCB International linking industry and academia to keep abreast of current trends and demands. These links will not only encourage long-term sustainable growth for the company, but also provide first-class protection and support to the brave individuals working in a variety of front line situations, search and rescue missions and disaster relief efforts.”

Andrew Howell, BCB International Ltd’s Managing Director said: “For over 50 years, BCB International Ltd has been at the forefront of pioneering new innovative products to safeguard lives in extreme conditions around the world. Whether half way up a mountain, in the middle of the desert, deep in the jungle or in rough seas, our products have helped to save many thousands of lives.

“Everyone associated with BCB International Ltd would like to thank the Minister for visiting us and seeing for himself how our commitment to continuous innovation has helped us go from strength to strength.”

Anti-piracy device nets interest

A British Company which makes compressed air cannons has reported a surge in the interest for its new floating entanglement device which can stop pirate skiffs in their tracks.

Cardiff based maritime security and survival experts, BCB International Ltd, have unveiled a new floating entanglement projectile which can be deployed from its British made compressed air launcher called the ‘Sea Stinger’. The company reports that it has piqued the interest of the Maritime Industry as it focuses on new techniques of combatting the growing menace of sea piracy as part of the International Maritime Organisation’s World Maritime Week (26-30 September).

BCB International’s Marine Projects Officer, Jonathan Delf, said: “Since we demonstrated both the ‘Sea Stinger’ and its new floating entanglement line at the World’s biggest Defence and Security Trade Fair in London last week (DSEi), we have been inundated with enquiries about the technology.

“Our compressed air launchers like the ‘Sea Stinger’ can be fired remotely from a ship’s bridge or a Port Authority’s control room.  The Sea Stinger’s new floating entanglement line works very much like the road spikes used by the Police to stop vehicles who take part in criminal activities.  The vessel arresting line entangles itself around the propellers of a water craft like skiffs or rigid inflatable boats used for acts of piracy as well as other criminal acts and terrorist threats. It operates at pressures up to 1000 PSI and the projectiles deployed by the Sea Stinger can reach speeds of up to 350 metres per second.    The Sea Stinger can also deploy a variety of other projectiles such as life saving buoyancy aids and smoke for screening or marking.

“Piracy is a problem that has dogged shipping companies for several years.  In actual fact the problem is getting worse.  The Maritime Industry is slowly realising that it needs to cast its net wider and start looking at new piracy protection technologies that do not place their vessels and crews under any further unnecessary risk.  We believe that our compressed air anti-piracy launchers like the ‘Sea Stinger’ ticks all the boxes.“

A video of the Sea Stinger in action can be watched at http://vimeo.com/30846984

Politicians Praise "World-beating" BCB

At a well-attended briefing reception held in Parliament,  MPs paid tribute to the work done by BCB International Ltd  for providing innovative survival and protective equipment to the military. 

The Cardiff West MP, Kevin Brennan, who hosted the reception which brought together Parliamentarians, Academics and Defence Industry representatives said: “BCB International is a Welsh Company that has a long and proud history of supporting our brave armed forces, past and present.  I would like to pay tribute to BCB for delivering equipment that not only helps our soldiers do the job but also improves their comfort, safety and performance. BCB is a fine example of how Welsh SMEs continue to be a great source of innovation that benefits the UK economy.”
 
The Cardiff South and Penarth MP, Alun Michael said: “BCB International is a valued local employer based in my constituency, whose innovative products are helping to save lives throughout the world in some of the most extreme conditions.
 
“Its close links with local Centres of Excellence like Cardiff University have resulted in solutions to the rapidly changing combat and terrorist threats.  I believe that Research and Development partnerships of this nature will help produce the sought after skills our economy needs to help weather future economic storms.”
 
The Wales Office Minister, David Jones MP, added: "BCB is an innovative world-beating Welsh Defence Company"

First aid kit helps Atlantic rowers stay afloat

Two firefighters who are set to row a grueling 3000 miles across the Atlantic for charity later this year have described a first aid kit made by marine survival experts, BCB International Ltd, as ‘essential’.
 
In December, Cardiff firefighters Jamie Windsor and John Haskell will be rowing across the Atlantic to raise £100,000 for Help for Heroes, WRVS (Women’s Royal Voluntary Service), Breast Cancer Care and the Fire Fighters Charity.  To help them deal with any potential emergencies during their expedition, Jamie and John got in touch with BCB International Ltd who supplied the fundraising pair with marine survival and medical gear including their Category C First Aid Kit.  The kit is packed full with marine survival essentials including a pocket face mask, bandages, burn bag and gloves.
 
Speaking about the first aid kit Jamie Windsor said: "When John and I set ourselves the challenge of rowing across the Atlantic to raise much needed funds for charity, we wrote a list of must have items to help us get through the twists and turns of this epic journey.  BCB International's Category C First Aid Kit was at the top of the list because it contains essential gear that will help us get through an emergency."
 
Jonathan Delf BCB International’s Marine Sales Manager: “BCB has been a prime contractor to the life raft and lifeboat industry for over 50 years.  Our quality first aid and medical equipment is used by mariners around the world; our category C first aid kit is no exception.  It is UK MCA (Marine and Coastguards Agency) /Lloyds Register of Shipping approved.
 
“When John and Jamie got in touch with us, we were only too happy to provide them with our first aid kit and other marine expedition essentials.  We wish them the very best for their fundraising challenge which will make a real difference to so many people.”

To find out more about Jamie Windsor and John Haskell’s challenge, please visit www.atlanticdash.co.uk

Bushcraft Stands Out

Outdoor retailers and enthusiasts can now look forward to getting their hands on a new range of outdoor living and survival products made by Cardiff-based survival experts, BCB International Ltd.
                                                     
For over 50 years, BCB International has been making equipment which has helped many thousands of Armed Forces personnel and outdoor enthusiasts operate and survive in extreme conditions worldwide.  They recently unveiled their latest range of outdoor essentials together with their new merchandising display units and packaging at the Outdoor Show in Friedrichshafen, Germany.
 
Jim Barnaville, BCB International’s Outdoor Sales Manager said: “The response to our new look display and product packaging has been absolutely tremendous.
 
“Retailers and lovers of the great outdoors will find on our stands a vast array of indispensable products for all outdoor environments.  All the items come in attractive packaging which is widely recyclable.
 
“We want outdoor retailers and enthusiasts to know that our survival experience means that they are getting quality kit that will not let them down when they need it the most.  Whether it is our world beating trekkers’ survival tins, our peerless fire flints and strikers or our windproof survival matches, when relied on, you will be glad that you packed our Bushcraft kit.”

BCB gives evidence to Piracy Committee

BCB International submitted evidence to the House of Commons’ Foreign Affairs Committee which is holding an inquiry into action to combat the increasing levels of piracy off the coast of Somalia.

Jonathan Delf, BCB International’s Marine Officer said: “We very much welcome this inquiry which will shine a much needed light on the current state of affairs.  Sea piracy has dogged UK flagged ship owners for many years.  Having armed personnel onboard commercial ships is a high risk venture and has not stemmed the rate of piracy attacks.  In actual fact it’s getting worse, 2010 was a record year for pirates.  This coupled with a series of botched rescue attempts and ransom drops this year shows that the current piracy protection measures are not working.
 
“We have been calling on the authorities to cast their net wider to include effective non-lethal measures like pressurised air launchers in the mix of piracy self-protection equipment used by ship owners.
 
“We are confident that this inquiry will underline the need for new thinking to meet what is a relatively new security challenge.”

To read BCB's evidence go to: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201012/cmselect/cmfaff/writev/1318/m04.htm

High hopes for location balloon

A new location marker balloon which can help soldiers get rescued quickly is predicted to catch the eye of visitors at this year’s DSEi (Defence and Security Equipment International) Show, in London’s ExCel Exhibition Centre (13-16 September).
 
UK-based survival equipment specialists, BCB International Ltd, have developed a portable Location Marker Balloon to help downed pilots and compromised forces operating in jungle environments get rescued quickly and efficiently.  The system uses compressed gas which is stored in a lightweight carbon fibre cylinder and fills a bright orange balloon which can punch through the canopy of the jungle. The Balloon features chemical snap light type lights for night time operation.  The rate of the balloon’s ascent is controlled by a high tensile strength string handled by the soldier.  
 
Will Hocking, BCB International’s R&D Manager said: "The Location Marker Balloon is a lifeline for any aircrews and dismounted forces operating in a jungle environment because when disaster strikes the balloon ensures that they can be rescued quickly, efficiently and more discreetly than alternatives.
 
“Unlike radios, the balloon is not dependent on batteries and because it hovers above the jungle canopy means that it can’t be seen and heard by the enemy on the ground.”
 
BCB will be exhibiting its range of products at stand N7-100 in the ExCel Exhibition Centre, London

Device offers bags more protection

At this year’s DSEi show, BCB International, the UK based survival equipment specialist, will be showing its Sandbagger, a device that allows sandbag defenses to be put up in less time because it can fill 480 bags per hour.

The BCB Sandbagger allows many more sandbags to be filled per man-hour, thereby allowing fewer personnel to fill a larger number of sandbags more quickly and helping to protect against blasts and bullets.  Because the BCB Sandbagger is collapsible and can be erected in seconds, it speeds up transportation, storage and filling in the “field” where the sandbags are needed.  It can be used with all types of sandbags.

Will Hocking, BCB International’s R&D Manager said: ‘Sandbags are essential for protection against blasts and bullets. Our Sandbagger is a simple and immediate solution.  Its wide mouth hopper combined with the unique twin bag slide system allows one person to fill two bags at once. Our Sandbagger will help speed up protection by enabling users to fill sandbags quickly, right where they need them the most.”

BCB will be exhibiting its range of products at stand N7-100 in the ExCel Exhibition Centre, London

Camouflage Cream on Show

Camouflage cream used by armed forces worldwide is set to be a hit at this year’s  DSEi Show (Defence and Security Equipment International) in London’s ExCel Exhibition Centre (13-16 September).
 
For over a decade, UK based survival equipment specialist, BCB International, has been making camouflage cream for many thousands of soldiers worldwide.  Arguably the pick of the bunch is BCB’s Chameleon compact three colour camouflage cream which has proved to be a great success with service personnel and is currently issued to troops by the UK Ministry of Defence as well as being used by most NATO Forces.  Provided in a strong and durable plastic case with an integral acrylic mirror in the lid, it is non-irritant, non-reflective infrared and provides a high sun protection factor.
 
Andrew Howell, the Managing Director of BCB International said: “Here at BCB, we have built up an expertise at making and supplying camouflage cream to armed forces worldwide.  We were the first in the world to develop the only camouflage cream with a proven non-reflective infrared formula which reduces the chances of soldiers being picked up by infrared searching equipment.  
 
“Our camouflage cream products like the Chameleon Camo Compact Cream are used and trusted by troops worldwide.  We would encourage all visitors at this year’s show who want to find out how their organisation could benefit from our camouflage cream to visit our stand.”
 
BCB will be exhibiting its range of products at stand N7-100 in the ExCel Exhibition Centre, London
 

US Marines are cool customers

BCB International Ltd has warmly welcomed test results which show that almost 7 out of 10 US Marines prefer its drinking water cooling system to help them stay hydrated.
 
The results of US Army commissioned tests conducted in the Mojave Desert, California, on BCB’s unpowered “Chilly” personal water cooler and a US competitor’s battery powered device show that 69% of the Marines who took part in the trial prefer BCB’s Chilly cooler to alternative coolers.
 
For troops serving in hot and dry climates, having quick access to a supply of cool water is essential.  All too often, the hydration packs used by soldiers let them down in hot conditions because the drinking water is warm and unpalatable which discourages them from drinking enough water to maintain hydration levels.  BCB International’s “Chilly” now makes warm unpalatable water a thing of the past for troops because it can reduce the temperature of their drinking water by up to 25 Degrees Celsius (45 degrees Fahrenheit).  This ingenious device works by evaporation alone, no batteries are required.  Water passes through a series of cooling fins that use microscopic holes to allow water to seep onto the wicking cloth.
 
Welcoming the results, BCB International’s scientist Matthew Searle, said: “We warmly welcome these results. This is yet again another vote of confidence in the Chilly Cooler.  85.5% of the Marines who took part in this evaluation were satisfied with the temperature of the drinking water produced by the Chilly compared with 63.5% for the battery powered alternative.
 
“The Chilly Cooler represents a major leap forward in hydration for soldiers.  Weighing only 14.4oz, the Chilly is a lightweight solution to a problem that has dogged troops operating in hot and dry climates for many years.  It’s an easy to use and effective water cooling system that clips easily to most hydration systems and works immediately.
 
“The Chilly has been tried and tested by troops and journalists serving in and reporting in hot, arid climates including Afghanistan.  They have told us that the Chilly makes a real difference because it helps them feel cool and stay hydrated for longer in hot and dry conditions which maximizes their performance.”
 

BCB come to the rescue

A Cardiff firefighter who is set to row across the Atlantic at the end of the year in aid of charities has had his fear of sharks eased thanks to shark repellent donated by Cardiff-based survival equipment specialists, BCB International Ltd.
 
In December, Cardiff firefighters Jamie Windsor and John Haskell will be rowing 3000 miles across the Atlantic to raise £100,000 for Help for Heroes, WRVS (Womens Royal Voluntary Service), Breast Cancer Care and the Fire Fighters Charity.   However, Jamie Windsor has revealed he has a fear of sharks.
 
To help Jamie Windsor overcome his fear of sharks, BCB International have donated a number of marine survival equipment including their highly effective shark repellent.
 
Jonathan Delf, BCB International’s Marine Sales Manager said: “We are delighted to be doing our bit to help Jamie Windsor and John Haskell achieve their goal.  The marine survival equipment we have donated will help them in an emergency.
 
“The shark repellent dye contains a chemical that repels and disorientates sharks.  When tested by the US Navy in 1967, it was the only product out of 24 to achieve any success in repelling sharks.  Since then, it has been used by navies worldwide.”
 
Jamie Windsor said: “I would like to thank BCB International for their kind donation.  Lately, I have been having a few sleepless nights about sharks, so their shark repellent is of great comfort to me.”
 
To find out more about Jamie Windsor and John Haskell’s challenge and/or make a donation visit: www.atlanticdash.co.uk

Oarsome effort for Charity

Over the Spring bank holiday weekend, a team from  BCB International successfully completed a grueling 75 mile charity raft race on the River Wye in aid of sea rescue charities and were awarded with the special ‘golden paddle’ in recognition of their courageous team effort.
 
Between 28-30^th May, the BCB International team did battle with other teams from across the UK in the 33^rd Annual 75 mile CHAR Charity raft race on the River Wye.
 
Will Hocking, BCB International’s Research and Development Manager said: “We are absolutely delighted to have completed what is arguably Britain’s toughest raft race and to get home in one piece.  It was nothing short of a heroic effort to cross the finish line because we survived heavy rains, serious bumps and heart stopping men overboard situations along the way.
 
“We pulled together and got the job done.  The race organisers presented us with the ‘Golden Paddle’ because we are the only first time entrants in the history of the event to have completed the race.
 
“The organisers on the rescue craft were great at keeping us encouraged.   They would say ‘just around the corner or one more mile’.  The golden paddle will now have pride of place in our Cardiff headquarters.
 
“Little did we know that the River Wye had so many twists and turns.  We certainly felt as if we went that extra mile.  Although we are all black and blue, we are so pleased to have done our bit to raise much needed funding for sea rescue charities.   We would like to thank all those who sponsored our raft.  Every penny raised will help save lives.”

Politician praises BCB

During a visit to the Headquarters of survival equipment specialists, BCB International Ltd, the new Assembly Member for Cardiff South and Penarth, Vaughan Gething, praised the company for making products that help our soldiers operate and survive in some of the world’s most hostile environments.  He was shown around the site in Clydesmuir Road, Cardiff, by BCB boss, Andrew Howell.
 
For over 50 years, the family run BCB have designed and manufactured a wide range of quality survival equipment for the Armed Forces and outdoor enthusiasts.  Many of its products like its survival packs and camouflage creams are issued to and used by troops worldwide.  Their excellence has been recognised through two Queen’s Awards for export achievement as well as the acclaimed Wales Quality Centre’s Wales Innovation Award 2010.
 
Following his visit, Vaughan Gething said: “BCB International is a valued local employer in my constituency.  I thank Andrew Howell for showing me around and briefing me about the role BCB plays. I was especially interested in the links they have with local Universities and Coleg Glan Hafren. 
 
“It was great to see first-hand some of the research and innovation BCB use in their wide range of products. I was pleased to see that Welsh Government funding support had supported a wide range of training opportunities for local employees.  Everyone associated with BCB International is to be congratulated for their hard work in developing protective equipment for some of the most hostile global environments.”
 
Andrew Howell said: “We are delighted that Vaughan Gething chose to visit BCB International as part of his first set of official engagements in his constituency.  We look forward to welcoming him back many more times in the future.”

'Dye' another day with shark repellent and sea marker

BCB International Ltd, will be exhibiting its latest range of marine survival equipment at the Seawork Show (14-16 June 2011, ABP Port of Southampton) including a highly effective shark repellent and sea marker dye that can be seen for more than a mile.
 
Since it designed and developed the world’s first ever life raft survival kit for the UK’s Ministry of Defence nearly 50 years ago, Cardiff-based BCB International has been a dependable supplier of quality life-saving equipment to the Maritime Industry. 
 
Jonathan Delf, BCB International’s Marine Sales Manager said: “We are enormously proud that for many years, our marine survival equipment like the life raft survival kits have helped save thousands of lives.
 
“We are a company that doesn’t stand still, our motto is CANEI (Continuing and Never Ending Innovation).  That’s why we will be showing at Seawork our latest range of quality marine survival equipment. Among the products on display at the Show will be our Sea Marker Dye and Shark Repellent.
 
“They are both must have items for all vessels when disaster strikes.  BCB’s shark repellent dye contains a chemical that repels and disorientates sharks.  When tested by the US Navy in 1967, it was the only product out of 24 to achieve any success in repelling sharks.  Since then, it has been used by Navies worldwide.
 
“The Sea marker dye is essential in man overboard situations because the yellow/green fluorescein dye inside the PVC pouch will quickly spread in water and is visible for over a mile for approximately 40 minutes. The dye increase the chances of people at sea being seen and rescued by emergency services.”
 
BCB will be exhibiting its range of marine survival products at stand number: MS5

Blast Boxers are a hit at SOFIC

BCB International's award-winning and shrapnel capturing underwear, 'Blast Boxers', were a hit at this year's SOFIC (Special Operations Forces Industry Conference) in Tampa, Florida (17-19 May).

Roadside bombs, better known as IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices), are the most common cause of death and injuries to soldiers serving in Afghanistan. US Congressional Research reports show that IEDs have caused 50% of all American combat casualties in Afghanistan – both killed and wounded.  The groin area of a soldier is typically under protected by normal body armour.  There has been an alarming rise in soldiers suffering blast injuries to the groin area.  The Blast Boxers are a pair of underwear made of Kevlar which provide significant protection of a soldier's groin against blast and fragment injuries caused by IEDs.

Andrew Howell, BCB International's Managing Director said: "It's always a pleasure to take part in SOFIC.  Our innovative range of military equipment  which is designed to maximize the operational performance and help save the lives of combat soldiers was extremely well received.

"Orders from individual soldiers for our Blast Boxers are coming in thick and fast.  Extensive trials and ballistic tests have shown that the Blast Boxers capture most of the gravel and fragments blasted at it by an IED.  Service personnel who have worn them in combat situations and survived IED blasts have told us that they made a real difference to their safety."

Also turning many heads was BCB's 'Wall Breaker'; a non-explosive cannon which uses compressed air to fire plastic water drums that can knock a large access hole in walls, gates and doors for Special Forces to gain quick entry.

To watch the Blast Boxers in action go to: http://vimeo.com/16423934

To watch the Wall Breaker in action go to: http://vimeo.com/6465902
 

Buccaneer is bad news for pirates

BCB International has developed the Buccaneer Launcher to provide a ship's master with a deterrent system against pirate attacks which is simple to install, easy to use and can be loaded and fired in seconds. 
 
Pirate attacks have become increasingly common, not least  in the Somali region.  Many shipping companies have resorted to using ex-armed forces personnel to guard their vessels.  However, as recent media reports have shown, the militarisation of merchant vessels can end in tragedy.  Now crews will be able to deal with an imminent pirate attack without having to resort to the use of lethal force.
 
The Buccaneer is extremely flexible and can be used remotely from the bridge or control room quickly and safely.  The range of the system improves the chances of a 'hit' on smaller, fast moving vessels.  Using either compressed gas from cylinders or the ship's compressed air system, the Buccaneer can deploy anything from a line or netting to snag the propellers of pirate vessels to solid projectiles  up to a range of 300 metres.  Alternative projectiles such as high visibility smoke and splash projectiles can be used for maximum deterrence.
 
To watch the Buccaneer in action go to: http://vimeo.com/6466856 

Read the Daily Express' Article about the Buccaneer at http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/245629/

BCB intends to demonstrate the Buccaneer at the Seawork Show (14-16 June) in the ABP Port of Southampton.  Come and visit us at stand number MS5.

Blast Boxers Scoop Innovation Awards

BCB saw off stiff competition from great shortlisted companies to scoop up the Wales Quality Centre's acclaimed Wales Innovation Award for its Blast Boxers, which provide soldiers with groin protection against blast injuries from IED's.

"Everybody is TALKING about it; Innovation is the in-word. But comparatively few are DOING it, and it is the achievements of that few and their continuing efforts which the Wales Innovation Award will recognise and widely broadcast."