Hanover, Germany, March 10, 2014 – British Prime Minister David Cameron joined Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel in Hanover last night to open the CeBIT 2014 trade fair – one of the most important events on the IT business calendar.
As part of his speech, the Prime Minister had this to say about the Internet of Things:
“These are developments that could allow literally billions of everyday objects to talk to each other over the Internet – using low-cost, low-power chips. And this has enormous potential to change our lives.”
“Electricity meters that talk to the grid to get you the best deals; health monitors that keep an eye on your heart rate; water pipes that warn of a fall in pressure. I see the Internet of Things as a huge transformative development – a way of boosting productivity, of keeping us healthier, making transport more efficient, reducing energy needs, tackling climate change.”
“We are on the brink of a new industrial revolution and I want us – the UK and Germany – to lead it. Take British ingenuity in software, services and design, add German excellence in engineering and industrial manufacturing and together we can lead in this new revolution.”
Among those accompanying David Cameron on his visit to Hanover was Stan Boland, CEO of Neul, a company known for its pioneering work in the TV ‘white space’ spectrum. During his speech, David Cameron made reference to Neul, saying:
“But you know – the biggest thing the UK has to offer is our amazing companies. Like ARM, the company whose chips are in 90% of smart phones around the world. Or Neul who are here with us tonight – a brilliant new start-up in the same space. And the expertise we bring – in chip design, in software and services that is matched by the German expertise in producing industrial components. So this is a real and rare opportunity for us”.
Stan Boland commented: “The Internet of Things promises a world of new services, lower operating costs and more efficient systems and products which improve quality of life. We offer service providers a comprehensive solution, enabling them to grow their revenues by capitalising on the Internet of Things opportunity. We are proud to be part of the push for European businesses to collaborate in making the Internet of Things a reality that will have true benefits for all of society”.
