4T2 Sensors: accelerating global growth through the Export Support Programme

4T2 Sensors Ltd designs and manufactures advanced fluid sensors for industrial applications. Its patented technology uses the electrical properties of fluids to measure conductivity, capacitance and temperature in real time, enabling manufacturers to precisely monitor contamination and concentration levels.

Originally developed to reduce water and chemical waste in large-scale production facilities, the technology delivers significant sustainability and efficiency benefits. Today, 4T2 works with the world’s largest global brands including Diageo.

The business is now focussed on expanding into new sectors such as life sciences, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, as well as developing solutions for regions with water scarcity where water is a critical part of the manufacturing process.

How we helped

Through the Export Support Programme, 4T2 secured a £6,000 grant to support its attendance at Drinktec 2025 in Munich. The funding contributed towards exhibition stand space within the Brewing, Food and Beverage Industry Suppliers’ Association (BFBI) pavilion, helping the company present its technology alongside other leading UK innovators.

With total exhibition costs of approximately £15,550, the grant significantly reduced the financial risk of participation and made attendance viable. The event provided a vital platform for networking, raising brand visibility and engaging directly with international partners.

As a result of their presence at Drinktec, 4T2 signed an exclusive licensing agreement with a major US-based chemicals company headquartered in Minneapolis and Chicago. The agreement enables the partner to manufacture and distribute 4T2’s technology globally, with royalty payments returning to the Birmingham-based business.

In the months following the deal, 4T2 has recruited an additional four to five team members and converted office space into a dedicated laboratory to support product development and knowledge transfer activities.

What 4T2 Sensors Ltd says

Sam Scutt, COO at 4T2 Sensors Ltd, said: “Drinktec was a huge opportunity for us. It’s such an important networking event for the global food and beverage industry, and being part of the British pavilion gave us credibility alongside other UK innovators.

“The grant made it possible for us to attend. It covered our stand space and helped de-risk what is a significant investment for a growing business. Off the back of that event, we’ve signed a major international agreement, expanded our team and accelerated our global reach.

“I would absolutely encourage more Midlands businesses to explore exporting. The UK is a hotbed of innovation, and there’s so much we can take to the world.”

What BGWM says

Richard Lawrence, Executive Director of Place, Prosperity and Sustainability Directorate at Birmingham City Council, said: “4T2 Sensors is a shining example of the kind of innovative, high-growth business that makes Birmingham a leader in advanced manufacturing and clean technology.

“I am delighted that our Export Support Programme has helped them take their world-class sensing technology to global markets and secure a major international partnership.

“This is exactly the sort of impact we want to see: a local business expanding its workforce, exporting cutting-edge solutions, and championing the kind of sustainable, high-value innovation that strengthens our city’s economy.”

Get support for your business

Business Growth West Midlands provides a range of grants and support programmes for West Midlands-based start-ups and SMEs. These include growth-focused initiatives like the Supply Chain Transition programme to diversify markets, and the Export Support Programme to help firms reach global customers.