Adam Mallion from OC Robotics said: “We were delighted to receive £5.8 million funding from Innovate UK, DECC and the NDA. This funding has enabled us to significantly improve all the key operating parameters of our products. The team at OC Robotics is very proud of the business we have all built. We are excited to celebrate our successes by being part of the Business is GREAT calendar. Here we join 23 other businesses across the country highlighting the organisations and people doing great things for small businesses, and the government support that has made some of it possible.”

OC Robotics is leading LaserSnake2, an industrial project with 5 partners, funded by industry and matched funding from government. Developments include a robot-controlled laser cutting tool to dismantle infrastructure in confined and hazardous spaces which are inaccessible to humans. OC Robotics has also worked with UKTI to help with exports. It’s JetSnake system was used in the Miami Port Authority tunnelling project and an upgraded version will be part of the record breaking tunnelling project to construct a 4.2km undersea road tunnel in Hong Kong.

All 24 businesses involved in the calendar have received government support or used its services, from help with exporting to new markets and tax relief for innovation, to hiring apprentices to grow their teams.  They are backing the festive calendar to let other businesses know about the advice and support available to them.

Over 24 days, 24 small businesses will be revealed, unveiling their story of growth and their route to success. The Business is GREAT campaign is run by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and UK Trade & Investment (UKTI). It aims to celebrate and inspire small businesses and provides relevant advice and information for small and medium-sized enterprises looking to grow, hire, export, lead and access finance.

Business Minister Matthew Hancock said: “There are a record number of small businesses in the UK – over five million in total – and the Business is GREAT campaign is doing a fantastic job of spreading the word about the advice and support out there for small firms who want to grow and create jobs. They fully deserve to be celebrated. We want Britain to be the best place in the world to start and grow, and OC Robotics is a shining example of why we’re backing small businesses every step of the way.”

To find out more about the businesses involved or support available, and to follow the small business advent countdown every day visit:www.greatbusiness.gov.uk/adventcalendar.