The company behind a revolutionary product that saves fuel and cuts pollution has been chosen by a team of Sussex business experts as an ideal case study.

A call went out in July for small firms in their first two years of development to put themselves forward for top quality business advice covering a range of subjects from the law to marketing.

The panel, headed by public relations expert Mark Llewellyn-Slade, chose Powerplus, an Eastbourne-based business with a potentially world-beating product.

It's a simple device which can be fitted to any type of engine to cut fuel consumption by a minimum of ten per cent in most applications and cuts emissions by more than 50 per cent.

The product has been around for a few years but failed to catch the public's imagination. Since it was acquired by former architect Rick Bird, it has been developed into an efficient device that can be easily fitted to any vehicle.

Andrew Niekirk and Peter Treadaway became involved after having Powerplus fitted to their own cars.

Mr Bird said: "A few years ago I bought the rights to Powerplus but left them in abeyance because the time wasn't right and I didn't have the necessary money or time to develop it until a couple of years ago.

"Under pressure from garages that knew the product and wanted to supply it to their customers, I kept production going, which is just as well because that is how Andrew and Peter got involved.

"The product, technology and manufacturing are much more efficient than the early version.

"We have spent two years developing the technology and building Powerplus's credentials. A lot of testing work has gone on and we have built a database of influential people who have established for themselves that the technology works and has potential."

Mr Niekirk worked in the City for 22 years in a number of financial institutions. He became involved in the project by chance.

He said: "I had a Powerplus unit fitted to my Landrover and was so impressed I decided to find out more about it and eventually tracked down Rick in Eastbourne.

"After meeting him, I had enough confidence in the product to leave the City and come and work on this project. I thought it was worthwhile, interesting and a lot of fun."

Mr Treadaway also joined after having one fitted to his car. He had taken early retirement from his development company but found himself at a loose end.

He said: "I had one fitted and was surprised how good it was. I contacted the firm to ask if I could become involved in marketing.

"It grew and I moved down from Bedford to Eastbourne and worked on the marketing.

"Now the product, in its latest hi-tech form, is ready for the market. An agreement has been reached to market it in South East Asia where pollution is causing serious health problems. In the UK more than 1,000 units are sold every month."

Mr Bird said: "Environmental issues are at the top of the agenda. The time is right for Powerplus and we hope to attract investment to be able to market it worldwide.

"We are looking forward to working with the panel of experts to develop the potential of Powerplus and to protect our business interests."