TWI's Technology Transfer Services section broadens its activity

Membership voice, January - February 2010

Bigger and better......TWI's Technology Transfer Services section broadens its activity and creates more opportunities for Member Companies in the coming year.

Technology Transfer Services (TTS) has been a key part of TWI's business since the section was created in 1994. Over the past 15 years TWI has built up an impressive track record for delivering highly successful regional technology transfer programmes across the UK, and as a result, has a strong reputation with customers, partner organisations and funding agencies alike.

The programmes strive to improve economic sustainability and growth. In the last five years TTS has boosted business performance in the UK regions by creating and safeguarding more than 3500 jobs and more than £230m turnover. This has been possible through programmes funded by One North East, Yorkshire Forward, Scottish Enterprise, Welsh Assembly Government, North West Development Agency and EU Regional Development Fund.

This support is particularly important in times of economic uncertainty. TWI is able to help companies weather the storm. And for those who see growth opportunities, TWI can bring creative thinking to expand market focus and help companies enhance their technical and commercial capabilities to transform opportunities into real business.

TTS's objective is to boost competitiveness and stimulate growth through more effective use of technology, innovation and know-how.

Currently, TTS has programmes in the UK's North West, North East, South Yorkshire and Wales. These are primarily for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) engaged in manufacturing, providing limited access to TWI's specialists and facilities, either free of charge or at a nominal fee. The benefits on offer include one to one intensive support, technical and networking events, helpline, web-based know-how and training. This year is expected to see further technology transfer activity in Scotland, as well as new initiatives in the Midlands, South West and several other areas.

Technical support packages individually tailored to companies' requirements, can be used to:

• troubleshoot production and quality problems
• increase productivity and reduce costs
• define requirements for training and qualification and develop skills
• implement environmental legislation successfully
• explore more effective technologies, new materials and improved designs
• accelerate innovation to bring a new product to market.
  

Built on this success 2010 will see an extension of activity in supply chain support and development, particularly transition between the industry sectors. This complements the existing suite of technology transfer services and adds to its effectiveness.

TWI is capable and experienced in strengthening supply chains by:

• identifying opportunities (new customers and sectors)
• brokering meetings between potential suppliers and customers
• providing support in writing effective bids
• developing new products
• improving quality and efficiency of production
• reducing costs.

Whilst supply chain support is effective across general manufacturing, TWI is able to assist SMEs in making the transition from one sector into another. It does this through its knowledge of particular industry opportunities (eg in the energy sector) and the capabilities required of suppliers to deliver these contracts. This is achieved through a combination of technical support, for example,a new manufacturing process to fit new product alignment, and commercial assistance in brokering contact with customers in new markets and assistance with tender preparation.

Both nuclear and renewable energy are two sectors which constitute part of the strategically important power generation industry, where TWI has in-depth technical and commercial expertise.

SMEs are particularly well placed to take advantage of the business opportunities emerging from the low carbon economy. The renewable energy sector, for example, offers particular potential for start-ups and innovative businesses.

Supply chain development is an activity which it is hoped will interest Members, especially those who seek to boost the performance of their suppliers.

The advice to our Industrial Members is to take advantage of TWI's technology transfer programmes to enhance their supply chains. If they or their suppliers are based within geographic regions coinciding with TWI regional activities, then get in touch. Ask about the specific free or low cost support available. Alternatively Industrial Members may request this support on a single client basis.

Author Sarah Welch joined TWI's Technology Transfer Services section in 2001 and is now a Senior Project Leader managing a series of programmes and critical work packages in TWI's regional activities. She has a wide range of experience in working with small to medium enterprises, in particular engaging them in technology transfer activity and progressing to a point where significant business impact has been achieved. Sarah has also developed TWI's internal network to ensure effective matching of company need to the technical resource available. Sarah Welch

Through TWI's technology transfer programmes, manufacturing companies have been helped in moving into new sectors,for example from the automotive sector into the aerospace, and from aerospace to nuclear.

This year's supply chain development events held in Scotland and the North East have highlighted opportunities for manufacturers in the fast-growing wind tower fabrication industry. Those attending, including many SMEs - have seen scope for their companies in this new sector and have taken steps to become involved. In many cases TWI has been able to make the connections and provide follow up technical support to maximise the chance of success.

For more information contact

'Assistance provided by Dave Howse through Joining Forces Scotland is central to developing our offshore business. The quality of support has been excellent.'
Houston's of Cupar Ltd

'Support provided by TWI as part of the REMTEC TT programme has been of the highest order... professional, courteous and extremely helpful. Right from the start it all went like clockwork, enabling our business to move forward. There is clear future demand for this type of TWI support in the area of new processes and boosting efficiency. TWI and REMTEC can help us to be competitive and keep people employed especially through increasing our flexibility, which sustains the business and develops new partnerships.'
Nicholson Sealing Technologies Ltd