Knowledge has degree of success

Apr 15 2009 by Sue Scott, Evening Gazette

A KNOWLEDGE transfer partnership (KTP) between Teesside University and a Stockton company helped boost sales by at least 30% and earned the university an A grade in the process.

The university was awarded an Outstanding mark by independent external assessors on behalf of the Government’s Technology Strategy Board after placing one of its graduates with the Stockton Casting Company to improve efficiency.

The KTP, which was supervised by Professor Farhad Nabhani from the University and Alex Ramsay from the company, involved one of the university’s graduates implementing improved operational systems and castings design capability.

Martin McKie worked with the company for two years to help introduce a wide range of advanced business improvements for the firm linked to the introduction of new technology.

During the KTP, he helped to secure £61,619 for the company in grant funding from One North East towards a development project with the university involving a compactor tooth design.

Towards the end of the two-year project company sales increased by 340% - at least 30% was attributed to the KTP.

“Being graded A – Outstanding is the highest grade possible and the first time we have won this accolade for a Teesside University KTP,” said Emma Detchon, KTP account manager.

“Knowledge transfer partnerships are proving to be a winning formula for more and more firms in the North-east of England,” she said.

Alex Ramsay, technical director of The Stockton Casting Co Ltd agreed: “The benefits of a KTP are clear. Martin has enabled us to turn some of our ideas into reality.”

For more information about KTPs at Teesside University, contact Emma Detchon on 01642 384407, email ktp@tees.ac.uk