F1 hi-tech wheelchair wins funding from Scottish Investment Bank

A WHEELCHAIR designer who uses Formula 1 racing car technology in his products has secured £350,000 of funding from Highland Venture Capital and the Scottish Investment Bank to launch his carbon fibre chair.

Andrew Slorance, designer of the Carbon Black wheelchair and founder of Nairn-based I Imagine, said the cash will allow him to bring the chair to market. The product will be manufactured by a company south of the Border, with each one being made to order.

I Imagine had previously received a £70,000 proof of concept grant from Scottish Enterprise. Slorance, who injured his back aged 14, will feature in a BBC2 documentary on Sunday.