What a year it’s been at Hot Tin Roof. As we wrap up 2024, we’re taking a moment to reflect on twelve months that have seen us tell some of Scotland’s – and the UK’s – most compelling technology stories to audiences worldwide.
From sustainable medical innovations to groundbreaking robotics, we’ve had the privilege of working with clients who are genuinely changing the world. Let’s look at some of the stories that defined our year…
From street waste to world-class innovation
Remember when lateral flow tests were just… lateral flow tests? This year, we shared how researchers at Heriot-Watt University are transforming discarded chewing gum into prototype LFTs. Yes, you read that right – the stuff scraped off our streets is being revolutionised into sustainable medical devices. It’s exactly the kind of story that makes our team leap out of bed in the morning – and had the Daily Mail and London Evening Standard’s readers doing a double-take over their breakfast tables.
We’ve also been at the forefront of Scotland’s charging revolution. When BT Group launched the UK’s first green street cabinet EV charger in East Lothian, we were there – as was The One Show. When SSE unveiled Scotland’s most powerful EV charging hub in Dundee – capable of delivering 60 miles of range in just three minutes – we made sure the world knew about it via the BBC.
Healthcare has been a major focus too, with our clients pushing boundaries in fascinating ways. We worked with PA and Times Radio to tell the story of the SPRING trials, where socially assistive robots are helping hospital staff and comforting patients in Paris. Then there’s the VITALISE project – distributed world-wide by global newswire Reuters – where robotic ‘coaches’ are supporting stroke and brain injury survivors in their rehabilitation journey.
For the sports enthusiasts among us, we invited ITV News down to the Scottish Borders to highlight innovative head impact technology that’s helping tackle concussion in professional mountain biking. It’s the kind of technology that could reshape how we approach safety in sports.
And speaking of reshaping things – quantum technology, anyone? We’ve been proud to announce Heriot-Watt’s leadership of the UK’s push toward a ‘quantum internet’, part of a £160 million government investment in keeping Britain at the forefront of quantum innovation, with the support of our contacts at The Herald, STV, and Holyrood Magazine.
We’ve also taken our clients’ visions straight to the heart of Westminster this year, orchestrating a high-profile policy launch that brought together MPs and Lords to discuss the UK’s future as a global robotics leader. The National Robotarium’s ambitious five-point plan didn’t just start conversations – it led them, engaging cross-party representatives and setting the agenda for Britain’s robotics ambitions.
This focus on demystifying robotics reached new heights when we introduced Scotland to Ameca, one of the world’s most advanced humanoid robots. As the National Robotarium became the UK’s first facility to host this cutting-edge technology, we took the story global through Reuters, brought it to national audiences via BBC Radio 4, and even inspired the next generation of roboticists through BBC Newsround.
2024 also saw us champion Scotland’s academic innovators supported by Converge, showcasing how today’s university breakthroughs become tomorrow’s game-changing businesses. Our regional campaign brought the stories of their 2024 winners to life across Scotland’s most respected titles, from The Herald and The Scotsman to The Press & Journal.
Making headlines, breaking records
The numbers tell their own story: more than 3,800 pieces of coverage across national and international media, reaching an estimated global audience of over a billion people. From BBC and Sky News to Radio 4 and LBC, our clients’ innovations have captured imaginations worldwide.
As we close our doors for the festive break, we want to thank our incredible clients who trust us with their stories, and our hardworking team who turn complex innovations into compelling narratives. Your work doesn’t just make headlines – it shapes futures.
To all our clients, colleagues, and friends in the industry: have a wonderful Christmas and a happy New Year. Here’s to another year of world-firsts in 2025.
Hot Tin Roof will be closed from December 24th, 2024, reopening on January 6th, 2025. For urgent enquiries during this period, please contact [email protected].
