Local MP Alan Mak has hailed Emsworth-based business iRed as the type of company that is leading Britain’s future.
The thermal imaging pioneers were early to utilise drones in order to enhance the capability of the technology.
Mr Mak, Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, visited the fast-growing firm based on Queen Street in Emsworth and was shown around.
The company provides thermal imaging cameras and bespoke drone packages and also runs training courses in the use of the technology.
Thermal imaging has endless applications and is used in the building, electrics, veterinary and solar industries amongst many others.
iRed’s managing director Ray Faulkner said: “It’s is great that our MP has a real and genuine interest in technology and what we are doing.
“He spent an hour with us and we were able to demonstrate how thermal imaging works and what cameras and drones we use and supply. One of the challenging things we have is getting access to funding and Mr Mak understood this problem and saw how this can potentially restrict our growth.
“He made several suggestions which we are now pursuing. Mr. Mak also understood the need to promote high-tech business and is passionate about Britain become the world leader of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.”
iRed has grown rapidly in the last two years and now employs 11 staff and trains hundreds of people in the use of thermography.
One of its popular products is the ‘search and rescue’ drone package that is being purchased by emergency services across the country.
Alan Mak, MP for Havant, said: “iRed is a fantastic local business creating highly skilled jobs that is helping Britain lead the world in advanced technology. Drones and thermal imaging are key to creating a modern future-focused economy. I’m proud that iRed operates from Emsworth.”