Staffordshire-based Bohr is scaling rapidly with multiple new technologies including its groundbreaking zero-emission gas analyser, technology that accurately measures the mix of gases, such as hydrogen in natural gas, without releasing harmful emissions into the atmosphere.

Bohr develops specialist engineering technologies that support renewable gases and play a vital role in shaping industry standards. Its analyser delivers accurate, low-cost gas measurement and offers a cleaner, more sustainable alternative to conventional methods.
This innovation helps gas networks reduce methane emissions; methane being the most harmful greenhouse gas component, while safely facilitating the integration of lower-carbon alternatives such as biomethane and hydrogen. By working closely with major gas networks, regulators and technology providers, Bohr is driving improvements in safety and efficiency for the UK’s transition to cleaner energy.

Gavin Pettifer, Director at Bohr, says: “Our innovation is changing how gas is measured and managed. We are proud to be contributing technologies that reduce carbon footprints and improve the economic viability of biomethane plants and hydrogen integration across the UK and internationally.”

Clear foundations for a growth strategy

Bohr first engaged with Innovate UK Business Growth in April 2023. The company was introduced to Innovation and Growth Specialist, Jon Gamble, who co-developed an action plan with the leadership team focused on accelerating its growth journey.

The plan helped clarify Bohr’s commercialisation strategy and prioritised the extensive testing required to satisfy regulatory scrutiny in a cautious industry. Encouragement to engage with technical standards committees, including the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardisation (CENELEC) hydrogen working group and the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) Technical Committee on hydrogen technologies, gave Bohr a vital route to influence emerging standards and connect with strategic customers. Innovate UK’s British Standards Institution (BSI) Standards Toolkit further supported Bohr’s ability to adapt to regulatory changes and integrate its analyser into evolving industry standards.

International growth was identified as another key step, helping the company explore promising overseas markets and build relationships with potential partners.

Finally, the action plan addressed Bohr’s scaleup strategy, encouraging it to focus on delivering contracts and building credibility before pursuing larger equity raises. Together, these priorities gave the business the credibility, visibility and customer access required to move from breakthrough innovation to growth.

Industry standards engagement builds credibility

Bohr has played an active role in national and international technical standards bodies, ensuring its innovations align with emerging hydrogen regulations. This strengthened its visibility with regulators such as Ofgem and reinforced its reputation as a trusted technology partner.

Gavin explains: “Jon’s advice to prioritise standards engagement was very useful. It gave us credibility with regulators and networks, helped reinforce strategic relationships and created visibility that has since translated into growth opportunities.”

These efforts, alongside support tools like the BSI Standards Toolkit, enabled Bohr to build lasting partnerships with major gas networks and utilities.

International connections drive market entry

Expanding into international markets was central to Bohr’s growth plan. Through Innovate UK’s funded initiatives, including the Global Explorers, Global Business Innovation Programme (GBIP) and Global Incubator Programme (GIP), Bohr explored overseas markets with reduced risk, testing technologies while gaining insights from regulators and utilities.

In the US, these programmes facilitated direct engagement with gas network leaders and led to partnerships that converted into commercial leads, including a collaboration funded with a major gas meter manufacturer.

In Europe, Bohr advanced partnerships with GRDF in France and Nedgia in Spain to pilot mobile gas leak detection technologies, while working with Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) to install its analyser at the company’s innovation hub. Bohr’s invitation to join the EU methane emission standards committee further expanded its influence in shaping regulatory frameworks.

Gavin reflects on these opportunities: “The prestige of being part of these Innovate UK initiatives gave us access to senior industry figures we would never otherwise have met. Several of these connections have already turned into commercial wins, which has been incredibly satisfying.”

Scaleup strategy supports acquisitions and investment

The final priority identified in Bohr’s action plan was to refine its growth model. Rather than pursuing large equity raises immediately, Jon encouraged the business to focus on delivering contracts and building credibility. This approach created the foundation for more sustainable growth while keeping investment options open.

Bohr successfully acquired a UK data business with which it had initially partnered, bringing valuable intellectual property (IP) and specialist staff in-house. Subsequently, the company secured multimillion-pound investment aligned with its vision, further strengthening its capacity to scale and expand internationally.

Gavin adds: “We focused on delivering for customers and securing contracts. That strategy, supported by Innovate UK Business Growth, enabled us to make strategic acquisitions and attract the right investor at the right time.”

We focused on delivering for customers and securing contracts. That strategy, supported by Innovate UK Business Growth, enabled us to make strategic acquisitions and attract the right investor at the right time.

– Gavin Pettifer, Director at Bohr