Liverpool city region-based Radwraps secures new funding to develop a product it claims transforms the efficiency of home heating systems. Tony McDonough reports

A small business based in Birkdale near Southport has won new funding for radiator covers it claims can significantly improve the efficiency of home heating systems.

Radwraps is already known for its  10-year-old specially formulated magnetic radiator covers. It has spent the past four years doing research and development to create a new energy efficiency product in collaboration with the University of Liverpool.

It builds on earlier research from Liverpool John Moores University and involves the use of a phase change material that enables the radiator covers to give energy back to heating systems. 

This breakthrough technology will allow boilers to be turned off more quickly while still providing the same heating output, ultimately reducing carbon emissions and fuel bills.

Now Radwraps has secured new funding from Innovate UK’s Launchpad programme. Liverpool city region was chosen as one of only two places to pilot the project.

Launched in September 2022, the programme offered competitive grants of between £15,000 and up to £1m. It backed innovations that transform the city region’s advanced manufacturing cluster, with a particular focus on digital technology and net zero.

Radwraps’ success in the competition will enable them to employ local workers, continue to stay within the Liverpool city region and help to reduce energy costs during a time of need.

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James Maddocks, director at Radwraps, said: “We believe that our new product development will go a long way in reducing carbon emissions, helping homes during times of energy crisis, and getting the country closer to being net-zero.”

Almost £5.5m was awarded to 23 Liverpool city region innovation projects during Round 1 of the Launchpad programme. A second round of competitive grant applications opened in February with the deadline now passed.

The Combined Authority, Growth Platform, STFC Daresbury Laboratory, and other key local stakeholders were directly involved in developing Launchpad.