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‘Outstanding’ achievement for Knowledge Transfer initiatives
02/05/2017
Three innovative business partnerships run by the University of Wolverhampton have been awarded an ‘outstanding’ grade by a Government agency.
The three Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) received the accolades from Innovate UK, which drives science and technology innovations to grow the UK economy.
KTP is a UK-wide programme involving a three way partnership between a company, a highly qualified graduate and a university, designed to support innovation and growth.
Johnson Test Papers Ltd, Hargreaves Ductwork Limited and Integrated Systems Technologies Limited have all worked with the University to address their business needs and improve capabilities.
The graduates (known as ‘Associates’) involved in the partnerships - Greg Mann, Thomas Bilbe, and Onofeleaga Eromosele - have all secured employment within the companies to build on the success of the programmes.
Johnson Test Papers, based in Oldbury, enlisted support from Dr Catherine Duke and Dr John Mole in developing new chemistry-based products to expand their existing portfolio. The team introduced a Research and Development structure from which many new products have been developed to access new markets.
Adam Bhui, Product Manager at Johnson Test Papers described the project as:
“An eye-opening experience which has highlighted the importance of R&D but with a step up to independence from a collaboration of the company, the academics and the associate.”
Hargreaves Ductwork Limited in Bury is one of the UK’s leading providers of air movement and ventilation ductwork solutions.They sought a partnership to develop new approaches and technologies for the implementation of Building Information Modelling within the nuclear ductwork supply chain.
Innovations introduced as a result of the project have been transformational both from an operational and strategic point of view, enabling the company to diversify and move into new markets.
Managing Director, Tim Hopkinson explained how the programme had surpassed expectations.
“For our business, not only has this enabled close collaboration between industry and the education sector, it has equally provided the basis upon which we are able to develop our business, its operations and our effectiveness in the market place...the process should be commended and encouraged.”
Dr David Heesom, Reader in Building Information Modelling at the University and lead academic for the project said:
“The KTP has been a fantastic experience…the partnership has provided us with the basis of an ongoing relationship.”
Following two successful KTPs with the University, Sutton Coldfield based Integrated System Technologies Limited (IST) completed a third programme working with Professor Ian Sillitoe in order to develop long life, high efficiency, low cost LED driver technologies to capture a significant part of this growing market.
The project has substantially influenced company strategy, enabling IST to focus on new and emerging markets and differentiate their product offering in the marketplace. It is estimated that the technology developed will have a significant impact on revenue, global reach and profitability over the next 3 years.
Dr Geoffrey Archenhold of IST explained that the programme “has been a huge success on many different levels.”
KTP is a UK-wide programme involving a three way partnership between a company, a highly qualified graduate and a university, designed to support innovation and growth. Programmes can vary in length from one to three years depending on the needs of the business.
The benefits to businesses are far-reaching and include access to academic expertise, increased sales and competitiveness, improved systems or processes, new product development and increased profitability. Additionally, up to 67% of the cost of a KTP is met by funding from Innovate UK and other funding organisations.
For information regarding Knowledge Transfer Partnerships please contact: 01902 321655, alternatively, email: ktp@wlv.ac.uk
Further information
For further information please contact the media relations office on 01902 322736.
Caption: From L-R: Jimmy Bhui, Gregg Mann and Adam Bhui from Johnson Test Papers.
For more information please contact the Corporate Communications Team.
