Biometrics startup joins Welsh government’s business accelerated growth program

Biometric technology start up Alpha Trust (Global) Ltd has become the first social enterprise to join the Welsh Government’s Business Wales Accelerated Growth Programme (AGP), a £20 million (US$28.9 million) service that is forecasted to generate more than 10,000 jobs for Wales, according to a report by Business News Wales.

The non-profit organization is currently employing a team of individuals with learning disabilities called The Assemblers, who actively test and dispatch biometrics fingerprint products.

“Biometrics is simple to use and highly secure, making it ideal for use in care homes and in housing association properties,” said The Alpha Trust founder Devi Sohanta. “We trialled the technology with tenants of the Family Housing Association, Coastal Housing Group and Gwalia.

“We installed the Connective Touch Flexi unit and the tenants, who all had learning disabilities, found it very easy to use and felt safer with it on their door. I am so proud that this technology can help some of the more vulnerable members of society, and that we can employ this same group of individuals to make more units to help more people. This growth programme will help us achieve this ambition.”

The Welsh government’s Business Wales Accelerated Growth programme will support Alpha Trust with a complete set of resources to help the team interact with Welsh Housing Associations, social landlords and Welsh Councils.

As part of this, the programme will promote the implementation of biometric technology which could improve security for tenants and lead to considerable cost savings.

The programme is being delivered through an alliance lead by Winning Pitch and Impact Innovation, both of which specialize in helping companies achieve high growth.

The Assemblers will have access to professional advisory services to support its growth and export potential, as provided by accredited consultant Asiant Capital, who has previously helped third sector companies grow and scale up their operations.

“The Assemblers are building a patented technology that can help housing associations in Wales save thousands every year, so our first priority is to help speed up the adoption of this technology, said Lee Cecil, CEO at Asiant Capital. “But we’re also keen to help the Alpha Trust exploit its export potential, which will go on to create more jobs in South Wales for people with learning disabilities. As a result of our input so far, The Assemblers’ first Welsh contract is already under negotiation.

Article Topics

access control  |  biometrics  |  fingerprint technology