They may not have been winners in this year's competition, but the runners up of this year's Best Business Innovation Awards still prove that enterprise is alive and kicking in the Midlands.
In a competition that saw its strongest entrants so far, judges praised all the finalists for their commitment and ingenuity.
Dubbed "simple but fantastically effective" by chairman of the judges Chris Rattigan the Easybleed device by Solihull-based Green Innovations was one example of the innovative products that narrowly missed out on this year's top prizes.
A push-button valve that can be attached to radiators, Easybleed releases trapped air in radiators. Easier and less messy to use than traditional radiators, the valve is designed to be easy to operate for the elderly and disabled and helps increase the efficiency of radiators.
Still in its early stages, the judges thought that the diabetic footwear range being developed by Cheadle-based Langer UK had a promising future.
The shoes are specially designed for sufferers of foot ulceration - a condition that effects 15 per cent of adult diabetes sufferers.
According to Langer, which has already developed a strong reputation in the orthopedic foot support market, diabetic foot problems account for around 9.1 per cent of NHS resources and are responsible for 47 per cent of all diabetes related hospital admissions.
Langer's shoes are designed to re-align where the pressure is placed on the patient's foot without making it difficult or uncomfortable to walk.
The judges also recognised the potential of the WilePlayer - a device that allows narrated information to be transmitted sing a mobile phone.
Founded by accountant Rob Warner in 2005, Melton Mowbray-based Wile targets busy, commuting professionals.
With the help of IT consultant Rob Langley, the pair created a device which allows users to receive recorded newsletters, industry publications, live events and conference presentations in their cars, through their mobiles.
Ellen Campbell, deputy editor of The Birmingham Post and member of the judging panel said: "The quality of innovation produced by our runners up only serves to demonstrate the exceptionally high quality of entrants for this year's BBI Awards.
"Picking a winner was an extremely difficult task for the panel and I congratulate all our finalists on their entries.
"I am sure that all the products that reached the final six have a fantastic future ahead of them."
>> Laptop alarm scoops top award
>> This year's awards the most diverse yet
