University of Staffordshire alumnus Steve Holmes founded Midlands Power Networks in 2004 to provide constant, consistent support within the high voltage electrical industry including design, consultancy, installation, inspection, maintenance and lifelong services.

Still privately owned and with a headquarters in Stoke-on-Trent, Midlands Power Networks works with businesses nationwide, from Glasgow to Southampton. It currently looks after 140 customers at 287 sites around the UK for maintenance services.

As the nation’s demand for electricity increases it was noted that Midlands Power Networks callouts were becoming more frequent. With customers all over the UK, it was potentially several hours before a Senior Authorised Person (SAP) from Midlands Power Network could reach them. Steve Holmes had long had the idea for a ‘105PowerOff’ app as a solution but technology hadn’t quite caught up with him, until now.

In partnership with Innovate UK and University of Staffordshire University through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership, Midlands Power Networks is weeks away from a minimal viable product (MVP), which will revolutionise emergency call out for customers day or night at the touch of a few buttons.

The app holds each customer’s asset register and records and not only provides information as to possible causes but also highlights to any attending engineers any specific risks on that site ensuring they are well informed before arriving on site and HSE compliant. Not only will this minimise downtime it also reduces the risk for environmental impact and insurance claims.

Combining several cutting-edge technologies, AI to not only assist the customer in identifying their emergency but also the engineer in resolution; new location tracking, as yet not available in the world except within this app, and even predictive analysis to help prevent failures before they happen but it doesn’t stop there

This app is looking to partner with an industry system to create a recognised qualification that is verified and monitored so that customers know the person attending has the relevant skills, qualifications and experience to safely and professionally restore power.

The app will also record attendances and their outcomes and customers will be able to leave reviews.

The app, 105PowerOff, has been set up completely independently of Midlands Power Networks to provide a non-compete platform for all high voltage service providers throughout the UK

Freelance SAPs will be able to declare their availability and supplement their income when between jobs or in the evenings.

Midlands Power Networks has entered the Innovation Award category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards for its 105PowerOff app.