The days look numbered for workmen digging holes and hitting the wrong pipeline or cable by mistake, thanks to online technology by an Australian company setting up in the West Midlands.
BeforeUdig, based on the Warwick Science Park, in Coventry, have just launched their unique "plan request" online service.
The step-by-step web software allows digging contractors to register where they are digging and BeforeUdig will Request Underground Asset Plans on their behalf from the relevant Asset Owners only. The contractor is given a list of the Notified Asset Owners and is made aware that it is only safe to commence work once they have received responses from all Asset Owners on the list.
Each dig site request will cost £20 (+VAT) but BeforeUdig are offering a free trial period from now until February 2009.
BeforeUdig.co.uk, is a service offered by and owned by PelicanCorp, based in Melbourne, who were introduced to the region by Advantage West Midlands, which is responsible for working overseas to promote the region and generate inward investment. The company is expecting to create around 15 jobs years to come.
Marcus Edwards, of BeforeUdig, said: "By reducing the risk of cable and pipeline accidents at dig sites, our service is not only potentially saving lives and injuries to workmen, it is also reducing disruption of key services to the community.
"Four to five million holes are dug each year on the UK road network alone, so this is a planning service that has a vital role to play in several ways. It promotes safety, reduces the threat of accidental disruption to services and also reduces the potential cost of additional repairs as a result of cutting a cable or pipe by accident.
"Ask a member of the public how many cables are running under his feet along a city street and you might name four or five utility companies. In fact, there could be over 20 asset owners with pipes and cables registered at any location. That's what makes the BeforeUdig service so important."
Marcus added that the West Midlands was a great place at the heart of the UK to locate the new business. "We had terrific support from Advantage West Midlands, both from their office in Melbourne and the Inward Investment Team here who were there to help us with advice as we set up the company."
BeforeUdig considered a number of alternative sites in the UK before opting to enrol on the Advantage West Midlands Bridge To Growth Programme. They benefited from free company set up, free legal advice, free accountancy and tax advice and six months rent free accommodation at Warwick Science Park. AWM also arranged a regional tour, meetings with key business partners and introductions to other Australian business people who had moved to the UK.
Dr Richard Hutchins, Corporate Director for Economic Development at Advantage West Midlands, said: "BeforeUdig have developed an invaluable piece of web technology that will be used on a daily basis by contractors and utilities alike.
"The West Midlands is home to a strong entrepreneurial cluster of ICT companies, and the sector employs around 51,400 people in over 8,600 firms.
"I'm delighted that BeforeUdig have decided to set up in the Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire 'Software Triangle', an exciting area at the cutting edge of innovation and research and development and which has a highly skilled workforce.
"Attracting overseas investment such as this to the region sends a clear message that the West Midlands are a global centre where people and businesses choose to connect."