Whenever I design or configure a product, I attach a label, ‘PRODUCED IN THE UK’, reinforcing my belief that we are still a great (multi-cultural) nation with global impact in sciences and technology. Until very recently I hadn’t realised how far my range of my activity had stretched.

This afternoon I met online with a CANADIAN business operating with a team of young innovators in
the field of clearing coastlines of plastic pollution; we discussed how their technology could be applied in the UK, under the umbrella of ‘OCLARI’, one of my emerging concepts that incorporates ‘GALT’, an annulus multi-nozzle jet pump, that can be adapted to tackle algae bloom.

Over the weekend I had communications with two academics, one originates from GREECE, the other from ITALY. I am working with them on developing a version of ‘DR DRIVER’S STEAM TIME MACHINE’, a UK competition called, ‘HANDMADE WITH STEAM’. It is now in it’s third year, and is
collaborating with another, much bigger competition, ‘PROJECT EARTH’.

On Thursday I had the opportunity to go back to ‘work-on-the-tools’ with an engineer, originally from SAUDI ARABIA, as we carried out some diagnostic checks on a well-known visitor experience, ‘The Rum Story Clock’. Within, there are historical connections with ANTIGUA and the CARRIBEAN.

Last week I had a Teams meeting with a young artist based in ICELAND, who gained an ART degree at the UNIVERSITY OF CUMBRIA CARLISLE. I am helping her put together an illustrated book, entitled, ‘ARTIC’ with it’s overtones relating to climate change.

The previous week I had a guest at EAGLE LABS CUMBRIA who was born in IRAN. We were
discussing how her (mostly online business) with the bulk of clients in USA, promoting mindfulness and health and wellbeing, could connect with another business in SPAIN.

Working close to BARCELONA is a sports coach from NEW ZEALAND, who has extended his training delivery into the world of cognitive therapy, combining with squash coaching across EUROPE,
especially the elite national squads of LUXEMBOURG and BELGIUM. There is interconnectivity with another TCL-CUMBRIA concept, ‘FORMULA4ACTIVITY’, one that is awaiting further electronic improvements for monitoring and recording movement with the codename, ‘E4ORT’.

A little while ago, I dispatched the first export order for a quantity of one of TCL-CUMBRIA’s PAD
annunciator system packages, for an oil refinery in BAHRAIN. I also received a potential sales enquiry from PORTUGAL.

My passion for working on all things that raise the profile of the UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
GOALS, includes Affordable Energy, a micro hydro energy device (‘CHED’), plus the Life On Land & Zero Hunger concept, a modular vertical farm cube for food and herbs growing (‘MVFC’).
Daily, I continue to raise the flag for the UK, extending an open invitation to share and collaborate, to the whole world. That’s my version of INTERNATIONALISM.

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As a co-sponsor, TCL Cumbria has been working with several university academics and as from 1 August 2025 agreement has been reached to collaborate on the Handmade with STEAM project. This is an open competition in its third year for both school pupils/students and home learners.

You can read more about the competition here: https://www.handmadewithsteam.net/competition

Handmade with STEAM competition – new round launched

The Handmade with STEAM competition for 2025-26 is now open for students between ages 11-16. The successful participants will be given a budget of £50 to use towards purchasing materials for the construction of their design on:

(a) a musical instrument that provides a sensory environment other than only sound.

(b) an automatic device that can collect rubbish from the surface of a pond.

(c) a hydroponic system that provides a solution to grow food in small spaces.

(d) a device of their own that helps to improve climate or biodiversity.

(e) a device of their own that encourages social transformation or cultural exchange.

Competition Timeline

1 August 2025: announcement of competition; registration of interest is open

30 September 2025: registration of interest is closed; a selection process follows, and successful participants will be informed by mid-October 2025

1 November 2025: project work commences

1 May 2026: deadline for project submission with relevant paperwork

By the end of May 2026: project judging, announcement of winners and virtual award ceremony.

Winners of the competition will be invited to participate in the Pitch for the Planet 2026 which will be hosted by Project Earth (https://projectearth.global/ ) at the Royal Institution, London, on 26th June 2026.

About Us

Ian Stephenson is a mechanical engineer and inventor. Throughout his career he has established many business-to-education partnerships and has mentored many student projects. Ian has been working with the Engineering and Physics Departments at Lancaster University since 2014, initially on a fluid dynamics concept supported by the Centre for Global Eco-Innovation and more recently on a novel compact hydro-energy device, with funding from Innovate UK. With a passion for the outdoors and environmental issues, Ian aims at developing projects in line with the Envision 2030 ambitions towards Affordable Energy, Zero Hunger, Good Health & Wellbeing, Sustainable Cities & Communities, Responsible Consumption & Production, Climate Action and Life On Land. Ian is the director of TCL-CUMBRIA.

Cristina Lazzeroni graduated in 1992 from the University of Pisa in Italy with a research in particle physics on beauty meson decays. She did a PhD at the same University on beauty production at an experiment at CERN. She then moved to UK where she has worked on kaon and beauty physics ever since. In 2007 she joined the University of Birmingham and she is currently a professor in particle physics. She is also an enthusiastic communicator and has been holding a STFC public engagement fellowship. She has been the Spokesperson of the NA62 CERN experiment in 2019-2022 and she has won the Institute of Physics Meitner Medal and Prize in 2019 for her work on public engagement.

Maria Pavlidou graduated in 1988 from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in Greece with a research in space physics. She did a PhD at Cardiff University on the acoustics of the classical guitar. She has been a secondary school teacher in Greece and in UK for many decades and an Ogden Trust Teacher Fellow at the University of Birmingham, focussing on outreach and public engagement. In 2020 Maria established Galileo’s Voyage, a science education company that specialises in physics and astronomy.

After a physics degree and research at the University of Chicago, Becky taught in a variety of schools and was Senior Lecturer in physics at the University of Kent.  She set up the Institute for Research in Schools to support school students and teachers doing authentic research through a wide range of projects in STEM. She is now a teacher at Simon Langton Girls’ Grammar School where she is particularly keen to empower school students to act and innovate to help tackle the climate crisis. 

Becky was awarded an MBE in 2008 and received an Honorary Fellowship of the Institute of Physics in 2014.  In the summer of 2016, she was awarded the Kavli Education Medal from the Royal Society

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Design and manufacture of a unique geometric tool aids CFD analysis for a new hydro energy concept.

Working on a novel concept can present many challenges, especially when there are numerous unknowns – “to know that we know what we know, and to know that we do not know, that is true knowledge”, Copernicus circa 1500 AD.

The novel concept is The Stephenson Turbine (acknowledged by Lancaster University Physics Department as the first new turbine design in over a century) that develops a rotational force when placed in another, novel circular distributor, with multiple jets of water that impulse the turbine.

So, to work out what is the best direction of travel for each of the jets, the Engineering Department at Lancaster have chosen to apply Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software, however, with very little data as a full schedule of practical testing of different sizes and styles of assemblies (comprising a TST and Distributor) has yet to be completed.

That is why a geometric tool was designed with three features: 1) A laser that is rotated left or right from a zero centreline up to 45 degrees in either direction; 2) A movable segmented section of the turbine that has fixed blades/winglets; 3) It is reversible, enabling access to two sets of blades at opposite fixed angles.

A built-in switch operates the battery powered laser to give an instantaneous display of the line of sight, simulating the impact point of a jet. In practice, the tool can be operated in two ways: a) Setting the segmented section in a fixed position and moving the laser to track along the exposed face of the nearest blade; B) Setting the laser in a fixed position/angle and rotating the segmented section.

The finished design has been featured on LinkedIn

It was seen by Stephen Byrne, a PhD student, who wrote:

“The thought just hit me regarding the Stephenson Turbine + Laser Diode model when viewing the video again and again.

I am writing a paper on heavy ion beams and the physics somewhat likens [loosely], the diode at optimal angle of the blade [greatest moment; aka… tip] would then straggle along the centre of the following blade face before again reaching the tip; could a blade configuration + angle of incident be designed such only the tip and subsequent blade tips are interacted with – this would surely be the answer to achieving the greatest efficiency and optimal design?”

A presentation boxed tool has been handed over to the engineering team at Lancaster University to aid their work on a compact hydro energy device.

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TCL, a leading design and innovation company based in Whitehaven, Cumbria, is thrilled to announce its sponsorship of the newly formed Under 18 Rugby League League in the region. This sponsorship underscores TCL’s commitment to supporting local sports and youth development initiatives within the community.

The TCL-Cumbria U18 amateur rugby leagues aim to provide a measured and appropriate sporting activity for young athletes, fostering physical development, skill enhancement, and teamwork. Ian Stephenson, Managing Director of TCL stated, “I am tremendously supportive of the principle to provide sporting activity that is measured and appropriate to age groups. By establishing a category that slots between the under 16’s and open-age rugby, this must help in so many ways.”

The league’s structure acknowledges the varying rates of physical and mental development among young athletes, with a focus on player well-being. Talks have been held with local officials, including Alan Davidson, the England Rugby League National Development Manager, to ensure the league’s alignment with best practices in youth sports development.

The launch event, hosted by Paul Farrell, PE master at St Benedict’s High School, Whitehaven, garnered support from Joe Elliott, Chairman of West Cumbria Youth & Junior Amateur Rugby League, who remarked, “This should also help with retention and maintain playing numbers throughout all age ranges, something for all clubs in West Cumbria to build on.”

TCL’s commitment to the TCL-Cumbria U18 amateur rugby leagues spans the next five years, aiming to encourage team participation and long-term success. Ian Stephenson added, “By making a long-term commitment, this should encourage more teams to take part. The more successful it is, the greater the likelihood of extending the programme to establish inter-county leagues with Lancashire and Yorkshire, who already run under-18’s competition.”

The inaugural season of the TCL-Cumbria U18 amateur rugby leagues kicks off on Wednesday 10 April, continuing through the summer to a round of play-offs, culminating in the grand final at the end of July.

TCL is proud to support initiatives that promote youth development, community engagement, and sporting excellence in West Cumbria and beyond.

About TCL

TCL is a design and innovation company dedicated to enhancing the lives of people through innovative products and solutions. With a strong commitment to technological advancement, TCL strives to empower individuals and communities to thrive in the digital age. Headquartered in Whitehaven, Cumbria, TCL is proud to serve customers worldwide with cutting-edge technology and superior customer service.

Contact: Ian Stephenson, Managing Director TCL info@tcl-cumbria.co.uk

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In National Apprentice Week the opportunity was taken to participate in the Workington Skills Fair, promoted by Mark Jenkinson, MP, and supported by Education Secretary, Gillian Keegan. TCL-Cumbria displayed a range of products alongside Barclays Eagle Labs stand.

Highlights included a Modular Vertical Farm Cube (MVFC) a self-assembly kit to grow food at home, a no-moving parts pump that can move and process all types of water and slurries, without blocking (GALT), and, perhaps the most significant, a compact hydro energy device (CHED).

The CHED concept has a unique internal part, known as The Stephenson Turbine, that has been awarded design rights and the complete product has Patent Pending status. Working with Lancaster University’s Engineering Department, the aim is to have full optimisation of affordable micro hydro energy technology, providing electricity from multiple water sources – pumped hydro, open water, and rivers – especially for rural and remote location, in the next 12-18 months.

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There are few things more rewarding than positive engagement with very young people, from
primary school age to 6th form.

A tripartite representation from residents of Barclays Eagle Labs, Whitehaven, spent the whole of
last Saturday at ULVERSTEM demonstrating the latest in all-things, STEAM – science, technology,
engineering, art & math – applied to new concepts and new products.

Front of house for TECHNOLOGY CONSORTIA LIMITED (Trading as TCL-CUMBRIA), ALTERNATIVE
TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS LIMITED (Trading as HYDRAPULSE) & CO-LAB ENGINEERING &
ACADEMY LIMITED were Clyne Albertelli, Tom Clayton and Ian Stephenson.

They had their work cut out demonstrating and explaining each of the concepts on display, as well
as fielding those ‘slightly difficult’ questions from knowledgeable youngsters from Ulverston and
South Cumbrian schools.

Highlights of the day included: A Modular Vertical Farm Cube (MVFC), with ‘live’ growing plants –
HYDRAPULSE, showing how different water sources can generate electricity – GALT, a no-moving
parts pump that can move water and slurries (without blocking-up) – SCRUBMARINE, a
revolutionary method, for removing biofouling from marine craft without using chemicals.

To reinforce the message about protecting our oceans, rivers and lakes, ALL young visitors to our
stand had the choice of a big selection of small-scale marine animals. Hey presto, bright eyes
became even brighter.

To round off the day we were honoured to receive a visit from the Mayor of Ulverston, Councillor
Michelle Scrogham, who was especially interested in the MVFC.

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• TWO NEW MINI-PUMPS ADDED TO RANGE
• TESTS PROVE LOW ENERGY PERFORMANCE
• COMPLETE RANGE COVERED IN NEW CATALOGUE
• PARTNERS SOUGHT FOR UK DISTRIBUTION

TWO NEW – No Moving Parts – MINI-PUMPS ADDED TO RANGE

In addition to the bigger sizes of Compressed Air powered Submersible and Borehole Pumps that are suitable for up to 6” nominal bore hoses (152 mm ID), two smaller sizes have been added to the range -15 mm bore and 20 mm bore.

Designed to transfer water, both sizes can be supplied as basic units, or they can be fitted with Base Stands to enable them to be sited on the bottom of a tank.

Fluid connections options include 1-1/2” NB hose or threaded fittings for cone-faced swivel adaptors.

Both Pumps work on the same fluid dynamics principles as the bigger units, enabling operating performance at low energy levels, without any moving parts.

SPECIAL LAUNCH OFFER

Size 15 Pump & Base £123.00 OFFER PRICE £74.00

Size 20 Pump & Base £177.00 OFFER PRICE £106.00

For more information, message info@tcl-cumbria.co.uk or hit the ‘GET IN TOUCH’ button, quoting Ref. Mini Pumps

TESTS PROVE LOW ENERGY PERFORMANCE

Prior to the shutting-down of engineering facilities on the Lancaster University campus (caused by the onset of the Covid19 pandemic), part of the Research and Development programme included putting some 1st stage prototypes through their paces.

It was established that Pumps performed best with low pressure Compressed Air power, transferring volumes of water at a maximum pressure of only 1 Bar (15 PSI). Specially designed Pneumatic Control Systems that can double, treble or quadruple liquid flow rates are also ready to be tested.

For more information, message info@tcl-cumbria.co.uk or hit the ‘GET IN TOUCH’ button, quoting Ref. Low Energy

COMPLETE RANGE COVERED IN NEW CATALOGUE

PARTNERS SOUGHT FOR UK DISTRIBUTION

tcl-cumbria is looking to establish strategic partnerships with organisations who can build on the extensive research and development work to expand take-up of GIZZMOTO products throughout the UK.

The unique, fluid dynamics, no-moving parts principles built into all Submersible and Borehole Pumps, Agitators and Aerators, Jetting and Propulsion Units, offer alternative technology solutions for most industrial, process and commercial sectors.

The ideal partner should be well established in Air Compressor and/or Pneumatic Controls stocking and distribution and may have design, system building and installation capability with back-up maintenance services.

More details can be found at: https://www.tcl-cumbria.co.uk/gas-liquids-technology-glt/

To express an interest, message Ian Stephenson at info@tcl-cumbria.co.uk

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After 20+ weeks of designing, researching, prototyping, coding, and testing, with 25 finalists across the globe posting 94 Blogs and 46 Videos created, the judges selected their favourites!

Grand Prize/Gold – Bruno Santos/Portugal  – Space Vegetables

Runner Up/Silver – Milos Rasic/Serbia  – Robot Assisted Garden AKA R.A.G

Finishers/Bronze – Ian Stephenson/UK – Modular Water Distribution System

Commendation from panel:

“Ian created a wonderful mechanism that pressurizes and atomizes the water source in the bottom of the container; this system then equally distributes water across the multiple levels of the grow enclosure. A new and novel method of watering, which we found very exciting!”

The approach taken by Ian was to build a scale model of the complete system, including LED lighting on all four levels and a ‘power-station’ that included a basement tank, a telescopic pump and free-standing, receiver mounted air compressor, with auto-switching controls

TELESCOPIC VERSION OF NO-MOVING PARTS PUMP

The concept behind one of the features of the Modular Vertical Farm design was based on standard Compressed Air powered GIZZMOTO 25 mm and 50 mm bore Hydroponic Pumps, fitted with multi-stage telescopic extensions that can be controlled Pneumatically to reach different heights.

Pre-set functions include atomised ambient air, atomised ambient water, atomised warm air, atomised warm water, or a combination of atomised warm air and warm water. This offers a combined solution for hydroponic and aeroponic growing systems, with the added benefit of temperature control to achieve temperate to tropical conditions

Fig. 1

Modular Vertical Farm System Schematic

Fig. 2

Modular Vertical Farm Controls System Diagram

Fig. 3

Complete small-scale working system with containers and LED lighting

Fig. 4

Power-station, including basement tank, telescopic pump and air compressor

For more information, message info@tcl-cumbria.co.uk or hit the Contact button, quoting Ref. Telescopic Pumps

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Conceptual design proposals submitted by Whitehaven born Ian Stephenson, of tcl-cumbria, has received glowing comments from the sponsors, the Farnell Group in conjunction with the Raspberry Pi Foundation. Raspberry Pi are a UK organisation promoting teaching basic computer science in schools and developing countries, the Farnell Group are one the world’s largest distributors of electronic components.

The criteria were to use 1 square meter of space to grow food and nutrients to help feed the needy during a global disaster or for space habitations and exploration. Ian Stephenson’s submission is based on a hydroponics modular vertical farm. A 10-12 weeks programme has been mapped out that provides for making a small-scale model – to iron-out potential hiccups – before building a full-sized prototype, mostly embracing mechanical engineering skills and elements of control systems and electronics.

In his original proposal Ian stated that he intended to engage with local apprentices training organisations and college students to make the end-product available as a project, extending this approach to schools in the area.  He also wants to link up with local MP’s to raise the profile of the challenge, especially as they are promoting parallel government initiatives.

Perpetuating the High-Tech Farming Message

“Close to where I work and live a brand-new vertical farming centre of excellence is soon to be built. It will be sited near to a Further Education College, where horticulture is a subject, a nearby Apprentice Training Centre and a University Technical College, whose students are preparing for the world of work.

“The end-product of the project could be used to demonstrate alternative food growing and electronic control techniques and as a pilot for a programme of teaching and learning to all the organisations listed above; there will also be involvement of all the local schools.

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

This project will offer an opportunity to produce a concept in line with some of Envision 2030 ambitions to achieve 17 sustainable development goals, which include: Zero Hunger, Good Health & Wellbeing, Sustainable Cities & Communities, Responsible Consumption & Production, Climate Action and Life On Land.

As populations in the main continue to expand, there is more demand to feed all nations and this is putting pressure on existing agricultural resources and the need to establish alternative methods of food production. High-tech farm systems have the potential to provide answers.

The concept might be used to investigate additional aspects such as energy, harvesting, food degradation or disease and replenishment. Future versions could be designed as totally enclosed climate-controlled chambers to supply and use as indoor or outdoor mobile farms.

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