UK manufacturers applauded for knowledge transfer work

UK manufacturing firms have been recognised for their outstanding achievements in innovation at the Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) awards. The awards were held in London last week and recognise successful manufacturing ventures fostered through the KTP programme, which supports innovation-led partnerships between businesses and academic institutions, and is run by the government's Technology Strategy Board. Winning partnerships included OMG and Oxford Brookes University (pictured receiving their award from Lord Paul), Cableduct and London South Bank University, and Authentix and the University of York. The KTP project between OMG and Oxford Brookes University is expected to result in a revenue boost of £1.2m following the production of a highly automated motion capture system based on video technology. Cableduct worked with London South Bank University and successfully developed a patented product in metal manufacture, which led to a 40% increase in sales. Authentix and the University of York developed a new range of in-product markers for the chemical manufacturing industry. The company has now filed two patent applications and is well positioned to export to new market sectors. In addition, four individuals were presented with the 'Business Leader of Tomorrow' award in recognition of the leadership and project management skills demonstrated through their KTP projects. These were: Mark Bibby with Vista Panels and Liverpool John Moores University; Liang Zong who worked with Herbert Retail and the University of Hertfordshire; David Kennedy with High Tech Steel Services and the University of Liverpool; and Clare Rowe with Rozone and the University of Wolverhampton.