An inventor who marketed his revolutionary plastic with the help of Business Link North Yorkshire will have his new polymer exhibited in the Government's Millennium Dome in London.

Electronics engineer David Lussey, who discovered the revolutionary plastic which is able to change from an electrical insulator into a conductor when pressure is applied, sought help from the one-stop shop for corporate advice at Monk's Cross, York.

Roger Benson, Business Link's innovation and technology adviser, referred Mr Lussey to Genovation, Thirsk, which specialises in introducing new technological developments to international industry.

Now the product is one of 100 nationwide chosen by the Design Council to be displayed in the Millennium Dome and has received a Millennium Products Award. The awards are for products which Design Council judges consider to be "pioneering, forward-thinking, creative or innovative."

Peratech, the business launched by Mr Lussey in Richmond, North Yorkshire to capitalise on his discovery has now taken manufacturing premises in Darlington.

Already it is producing the new polymer for a wide range of customers including Government departments and multi-national firms, and a wide range of uses, including touch-sensitive computer interfaces and low-cost variable switches for lighting equipment.

Mr Lussey said: "We're very pleased to be accorded this Millennium Dome honour but for the time being we know little more. We do not know when it will go on show or for how long but we are delighted that it is achieving such interest. It is all part of the overall plan set in motion by Business Link North Yorkshire."

Business Link North Yorkshire also advised Mr Lussey in obtaining a £43,000 SMART award from the DTI and this is being used to fund further research by Durham University into the properties and potential of the plastics discovery.

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