Innovative products and processes are the lifeblood of a competitive economy. With attention focused on the likely depth and duration of an economic recession, across the country there are many businesses who have one eye fixed firmly on the recovery and on continuing to develop and test new products. This superb and spirit-lifting BBC video pays a visit to Cambridge Consultants a business that has enjoyed its best ever year during a year of recession - ideas and investment businesses that can gain access to the finance that remains available look well placed to reap the benefits of their innovations - always providing they can get the products to market.

The video features a ‘virtually waterless’ laundry washing machine prototype developed by Xeros. By saving up to 90% of water compared to conventional machines, the Xeros process has the potential to reduce the cost of washing whilst also dramatically cutting carbon emissions.