Gas detection firm to launch new sensor range with help of MEIF II funding

OSS Enviro has secured funding from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II through fund manager Frontier Development Capital. The company, which currently employs five staff at its headquarters in Stone, Staffordshire, plans to staff create eight new jobs in the UK in the inspection and manufacturing sectors. It is also set to launch operations in France and Estonia, building on the success of its existing overseas sites in Portugal and South Africa.

OSS Enviro uses optical gas imaging (OGI) cameras which can accurately detect gas from a distance, enabling surveys to be carried out remotely using drones. It provides detection and repair services on behalf of water, utility and waste management companies which are required by law to monitor methane or other emissions, alongside supplying equipment.

The company was founded in 2022 by Rob Griffiths, a former Royal Navy weapons engineer who has been using the technology since it was first introduced around 15 years ago. OSS Enviro has trebled its turnover in the past three years and aims to achieve similar growth in the three years ahead.

The new methane sensors – the first range it has developed itself – are based on technology developed at the University of the West of Scotland and claim to be more accurate than current sensors. The company has taken on a second unit in Stone and will start manufacturing in October.

Rob Griffiths, founder and Managing Director, said: “Optical gas imaging is revolutionising our industry – improving safety by enabling leaks to be detected even in locations where it would be dangerous to send inspectors, and helping companies to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases like methane. The funding will enable us to expand our inspection service both at home and our international footprint, and to launch our first product range.”

Ryan Cartwright of Frontier Development Capital added: “With regulations tightening about methane and other dangerous gases, OSS Enviro is operating in a growth market. Rob has built a great business and we are pleased to support him with his ambitious expansion plans.”

David Tindall, Senior Investment Manager at the British Business Bank, said: “OSS Enviro has developed innovative technology that is helping companies reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enables remote surveys to be carried out.

“We are pleased that this funding will support the business in expanding internationally and launching its new range of methane sensors. The Midlands Engine Investment Fund II was established to support innovative businesses like OSS Enviro, and we are pleased to play a role in helping the company realise its ambitions and continue its growth.”

Paul Howe of Howe Commercial Finance provided fundraising advice to the company.

The £400m Midlands Engine Investment Fund II covers the entire Midlands region and provides equity investment up to £5m and debt finance from £25k to £2m to help a range of small and medium sized businesses to start up, scale up or stay ahead.

The purpose of the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II is to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunity for new and growing businesses across the Midlands. The Midlands Engine Investment Fund II will increase the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for smaller businesses in the Midlands, providing funds to firms that might otherwise not receive investment and help to break down barriers in access to finance.