Sprint Power, a UK tech company with a lot of electrification projects in its portfolio and more on the horizon, is embarking on an ambitious growth plan. ATTI visits the UK office.
Established in 2018, the UK company began as an engineering service provider. Over the last 12 months, its capabilities have expanded to include the development niche battery solutions. These modular, lightweight and affordable solutions are ideal for next generation applications.
Richie Frost is the founder and CEO. He says, “We keep a pulse on what’s going on in the electrification realm, and build our product so that they can be used with modern technology.” We maintain close relations with suppliers, which includes cell manufacturers.
Frost claims that Sprint Power can reduce project timelines by being adaptable and agile. Its UK base has an engineering department, a prototyping and testing lab, as well as equipment such dynamic power supplies and load banks. It also has a manufacturing site near Silverstone that can make prototype parts. Engineers can test new ideas quickly by having access to these resources.
The supplier placed growth at the forefront of their plans and doubled the number of employees to over 80 by 2020. The company is planning to double the number of engineers over the next 12 months. On average, there are four new engineers hired each month. That includes graduate engineers all the way up to directors.
Sprint Power is adding new departments and positions to accommodate the diverse range of future projects.
Frost believes that the number of specialisms offered by his company, which includes systems integration, battery systems, power electronics and controls, is a major reason automotive developers turn to him. Frost believes that skilled engineers are more attracted to startups like Sprint Power for the freedom and variety it offers, which can often be very attractive.
“Recruitment in this field is extremely difficult. Sprint Power was established with the view that there will be a substantial skills gap in the UK in the coming years. Sprint Power has inspired me greatly by the culture of Silicon Valley tech companies. This is why I am deeply inspired by their engineering ecosystem. The UK, particularly in the Midlands has a high demand for the same specialist, so we must have a future-focused strategy around the development of people.
Frost adds that as an employer, it’s vital to ensure that assignments are both interesting and challenging. “With six projects running at the same time, each member of our team can be involved with multiple projects. This could include working on superyachts, supercars, superyachts, boats, planes, or trains in the hydrogen, fuel cell, autonomous and hybrid arenas. We are looking to provide an environment where people can be creative, innovative, flexible and accessible.
Frost says it is not only about qualifications when it comes down to hiring. Frost said that while it is important to have the right person with the right skills, but also to have the personality and mindset to succeed. Frost stated that candidates must be passionate and self-motivated to share the company’s enthusiasm for the growth and excitement. It is about having that ‘get out there and go’ mentality.