Trevor Baylis OBE, world famous inventor of the Clockwork Radio and television personality, will visit The University of Northampton on Thursday May 1 to participate in a packed programme of activities at 'Partners4Innovation' 2008.

Now in its second year, Partners4Innovation is the University’s annual business research, knowledge transfer and exhibition event. The latest edition is expected to attract over 150 leading companies and exhibitors from across the county and beyond.

The day will be based around themes of innovation in design and technology and Trevor will join Sir Richard Needham, Sir James Dyson’s right hand man at the world’s leading vacuum cleaner manufacturer, as a headline speaker.

As well as a public interview with Sir Richard, Partners4Innovation will feature a wide variety of business seminars, pre-arranged one-to-one networking sessions and a display area with over 30 exhibitors, featuring companies from across Northamptonshire, as well as several international participants.

In addition to talking about his experiences as an entrepreneur, inventor and a passion for patent protection, Trevor will also present this year’s ‘Spirit of Innovation’ Award.

John Jones of the University’s Knowledge Exchange explains: “This special Award, supported by Allancia Ltd, will be given to the delegate demonstrating a true spirit of innovation through their everyday business activity and participation at Partners4Innovation. The latter will be judged on the delegate who utilises the one-to-one networking and workshops most effectively on the day.

“Trevor Baylis is the perfect choice as an additional speaker and we look forward to hearing his views on invention, innovation and the future challenges ahead for UK manufacturing.”

Trevor Baylis OBE was born in Kilburn, London, in 1937. At 20 years old he started his National Service as a physical training instructor, during which time he swam for the Army and Imperial Services. After leaving the army in 1961, Trevor joined Purley Pools as a salesman where his role quickly progressed to research and development. He went on to start his own swimming pool company and worked as a stuntman on various TV shows.

In 1991, Trevor's gift for invention came into its own when, after seeing a programme about the spread of AIDS in Africa , he set about developing the wind-up radio. His first working prototype ran for 14 minutes and in 1994 was featured on Tomorrow's World. The product's potential was immediately recognised by corporate finance expert Christopher Staines and South African entrepreneur Rory Stear who together acquired funding and, the following year, set up BayGen Power Industries in Cape Town employing disabled workers to manufacture the Freeplay® wind up radio.

The BBC programme QED filmed and broadcast an award winning documentary about Trevor's development of the radio and in June 1996 the Freeplay® radio was awarded the BBC Design Award for Best Product and Best Design.

To book your place at Partners4Innovation 2008, go to: www.partners4innovation2008.com