Driverless cars on pilot test in UK from 2015

Driverless cars will be trialled in Milton Keynes city centre from 2015, as part of a five year pilot scheme.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=4Ujd4wutddE

100 pod devices will run on specifically marked out lanes between Milton Keynes Central train station, the centre:mk shopping centre and the offices in-between.

They will be powered by an electric motor, and will travel along pavements at speeds of up to 12mph. Initially, they will be on separate lanes but the government may remove these lanes as the experiment progresses.

The pods will be big enough to fit two passengers and luggage. They will also be fitted with sensors to avoid colliding with pedestrians and parked cars.

A trial of the devices will begin in 2015, with a full rollout expected two years later. This will allow customers to hire pods from £2 a ride using smartphone apps to either hail or advance book one of the machines.

The experiment is expected to cost £65million over the five year period, and has the backing of Business Secretary Vince Cable and Higher Education minister David Willets.

Milton Keynes was chosen for the experiment because of its wide pavements. The trials will be the first driverless cars in operation on Britain’s streets.

A driverless ULTra PRT pod transport system with 21 pods and over 4km of tra

Vote for my daughter's proposed shoe company.

Vote for my daughter's proposed shoe company.


. Our entry is to get some monies to start a shoe company that is

"traditional, functional and aesthetically durable." 

It would be great if you could take the time to vote for us to show your support. 

http://www.stylist.co.uk/home/microsite2/triumph/?page=competition

SHOES

BY

XANDRA DREPAUL & FANNY GOLDSMITH

Why did you start making?

We both studied Fashion Design and currently work in the industry as an accessory designer and pattern cutter with backgrounds in garment design and tailoring. With our acquired backgrounds we have both gained a diverse skillset through our varied experiences. We decided collectively that we wanted to create a simple object that allowed for a narrow focus, which we could innovate, perfect in our own time, stimulate us creatively and make us happy. This object is a classic flat shoe.

Why is your business unique?

This business is unique because we are not just creating a product but also a concept and brand that surrounds it. Our concept is minimal, considered and timeless and our product is traditional, functional and aesthetically durable. We believe that often the plain and reduced is the most striking and are passionate to achieve this within our classic flat shoe. We would like to source new ways of using conventional materials in unconventional shoe applications, for instance reprocessed papers stacked into soles and lightweight concrete made into textiles and used as fixtures. We are taking a shoe and dissecting it into each elemental layer: the last- the upper- the lining- the sole and injecting our ethos into every one. Each layer is considered and has the best quality leathers and craftsmanship using our skills. We also source trade specialists who are knowledgeable and able to help us realise our concept. To us the process is pivotal to our final product. As a result, each shoe is made by hand, with care and attention.

What keeps you inspired?

European architecture, Scandinavian interiors, french rococo detailing, chevron floors, tile work, walls, peitra dura + organic materials, cork, concrete, florals, woods, marble, metals, gems, furs, Audubon, clouds + handcrafted techniques, embroidery, jacquard, needlework, joinery, embossing, engraving, lasering cutting + industrial design + good food + people who are brave enough to do what makes them happy

What's your vision for the future?

We are currently producing our classic flat shoe ourselves in an East London based studio. We believe that there is potential for growth in the future for our product as well as our distribution and sales. We would like to work with boutiques to create exclusive products for their stores in addition to an online range. We have started with a singular product to create an identity and brand for ourselves but with the right business plan, mentor and goals we see this having the potential to expand into a cohesive range of shoes and accessories in the future.

Find your best customers

The 80/20 Rule of Sales: How to Find Your Best Customers http://zite.to/GMM1IM