A business lesson from universities

Apr 26 2007 By The Journal

It happens to companies of all sizes: small, medium and large. Things have gone well in recent years but, after a burst of activity, it's all gone a little flat.

In fact, the business is ticking over waiting for the next challenge. But what will take you to the next level - where will that impetus come from?

Who will come up with the next big idea that is going to take the market by storm, improve profits, cut costs and reduce waste?

You could parachute in a high-powered - and highly-expensive - team of management consultants or you could simply tap into the expertise on offer at the region's world-class universities.

An easy way of doing that is through Knowledge House, a collaborative service offered by the universities of Durham, Newcastle, Northumbria, Sunderland and Teesside, and the Open University in the North.

Mark Jackson, business development director, said: "The universities of the North-East represent a huge store of skills, expertise and resources.

"There are thousands of academic staff and research students available for consultancy work.

"On behalf of clients, we can provide access to this network, find the right experts for them and then manage the project and source funding.

"We fix them up with the best help for their particular needs from the whole of the North-East university network.

"Through Knowledge House, clients gain access to expert solutions for developing ideas and solving problems through collaboration, consultancy, training and research.

"Our services are available to all companies, organisations and individuals."

Organisations which have worked with the universities through Knowledge House range from multi-nationals to small businesses and individuals.

Its role is extensive and entails:

* Free initial diagnosis of a given problem.

* A rapid and confidential response service.

* Appropriate local expertise.

* Introductions to academics.

* Advice on grant options.

* Delivery monitoring.

* Support and guidance throughout the project.

Knowledge House has established an outstanding track record for helping companies with all aspects of their business development, including initial ideas development, research and development, manufacture, quality assurance, and staff development.

Having just celebrated its 10th birthday, it has now dealt with more than 4,500 enquiries and worked with clients on more than 1,000 projects.

Mr Jackson added: "While the five universities in the North-East undoubtedly have an awful lot to offer the business community, historically it has been the case that the two have tended not to speak the same language.

"This is where Knowledge House steps in, acting as a conduit between business and academia and translating the language and services of academia into the language of business.

"Manufacturing support is an area where the universities excel.

"With the onus on manufacturers to operate more efficiently in order to remain competitive in the global market, Knowledge House can provide an ideal gateway to invaluable manufacturing services."

These include:

* Lean techniques.

* Six Sigma.

* Productivity improvements.

* Factory layout.

* Design for manufacture.

* Advice on tooling and manufacturing techniques.

Meanwhile, in the area of quality assurance, Knowledge House can provide access to a range of services that could prove crucial in enabling a business to push onto the next level.

These include:

* Statistical process control.

* Measurement techniques.

* Compliance advice.

* Support to achieve ISO.

* EFQM assessment.

Finally, in the area of staff development, it can enable clients to fulfil all their training and development requirements. Areas of support which it can provide access to, include:

* Training needs analysis.

* Off-the-shelf training courses.

* Bespoke training courses.

* Appraisal systems and techniques.

* Accredited training.

* Undergraduate and graduate placements.

• To find out how North-East university expertise can help your business, contact Knowledge House on (0191) 516-4408 or email: enquiries@knowledgehouse.ac.uk.