Tag Archives: SIV

News

Friction firm drives brake and clutch innovation following global merger

A PIONEERING global manufacturer of brake and clutch components is driving innovation with the support of Bangor University.

Caernarfon-based Friction Technology – now part of n Industries Group Ltd (n Industries) following its acquisition in February – is testing brake samples and materials for a helicopter landing gear actuator, having been awarded a Skills and Innovation Voucher (SIV) by the University.

Led by Technical Director Steve Magee, the 14-strong business, launched in 2003, worked alongside Athanasios Dimitriou, a Materials Scientist at the Biocomposites Centre, to test and analyse components and the ‘friction’ process with a view to scaling-up to manufacture.

The SIV scheme offered companies in Gwynedd, Anglesey, and Flintshire an opportunity to collaborate through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.

Steve says the backing of Athanasios and the team has been “hugely beneficial” and hopes the partnership will continue in the future.

“It has been an incredibly busy few months for the company, notably with us becoming part of the n Industries group, a move that will allow us to grow, invest in new equipment, take on staff – including an apprentice – and explore new industries, notably aerospace,” said Steve.

“While that has been at the forefront of developments, we have been making progress with Bangor University, and the scheme has allowed us to look closer at the friction technology used within systems such as the helicopter landing gear actuator, resolve any technical issues, and conduct different tests.

“We have had access to the incredible resources at the Biocomposite Centre, and of course the experience and knowledge Athanasios brought to the collaboration, which has been invaluable.

“In turn this has strengthened our relationship with the customer, who were very impressed with our response and the report provided by the University.”

He added: “There are further projects like this in the pipeline so it would be fantastic to continue the relationship, both in terms of academic support but also with us providing opportunities for graduates and helping to train the next generation of skilled workers in our sector.”

Athanasios echoed those words and said the SIV scheme has helped forge new links with a wide range of organisations in north west Wales.

“Working with Friction Technology has been very interesting for us, it was a new challenge and great to be involved with such an important project for the company,” he said.

“As well as the links with the University we have been able to signpost them to other groups and organisations UK-wide that will be useful to them going forward and help them to continue problem solving, commercialising ideas and growing as a business.

“The next step would be a KTP (Knowledge Transfer Partnership) between us which I’m sure would be mutually beneficial for product development and research in the future.”

Bangor University Business Development Manager Nicola Sturrs added: “It was a pleasure to introduce Steve Magee to colleagues at our Biocomposites Centre and its fantastic to know that our relationship with Friction Technology will grow as a result of the awarding of a SIV voucher.”

Reflecting on the recent partnership with n Industries – which is building a group of high-quality UK small industrial businesses through acquisition – Friction Technology’s Sales Director Jack Boyle said: “This represents an incredible opportunity for us to build upon our strengths and pursue new avenues of growth.”

Jonathan Bates-Kawachi, CEO of n Industries, added: “Our focus is on supporting high-quality industrial businesses with strong growth potential, and Friction Technology is a perfect fit. We look forward to working with the team to drive innovation and expand opportunities for the future.”

The Skills and Innovation Voucher Scheme is supported by Gwynedd Council. The project has received £360,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and been extended until March 31.

There were three types of vouchers available, redeemable in a range of areas including R&D, consultancy, skills and training, use of university facilities, use of specialist equipment, and access to knowledge: Midi: Up to £5,000 for five to eight days of support; Maxi: Up to £10,000 for 10 to 15 days of support, and Talent, with a value up to £5,000 for a 12 week graduate internship.

For more information, visit The Skills and Innovation Voucher Scheme | Bangor University or email siv@bangor.ac.uk.

Visit Friction Technology – Manufacturers Of Frictions Products for the latest news and information from Friction Technology.

News

City’s 1,500th anniversary boosted by new stores and university regeneration partnership

AN INSPIRING businesswoman is helping transform town centres in Wales.

And next up for Medi Parry Williams, Founder and Director of MPW Making Places Work, is Bangor, which this year celebrates its 1,500th anniversary.

Medi was successfully awarded a Skills and Innovation Voucher (SIV) by Bangor University and is working in partnership with academics to create an online presence that will boost the high street’s retail and entertainment offering.

Together with Dr Steffan Thomas, a Senior Lecturer in Business Marketing – and with the backing of Bangor City Council – they are developing a new, virtual platform and exploring ways to promote its shops, cafes, restaurants and more online.

Several new stores and a sports bar have opened or are set to open in the city centre, and Medi – recently selected to represent UK Government by the Department for Business and Trade on a trade mission to Cannes, France – believes the future looks bright.

“I have been working with organisations in towns and cities across the country – including Smart Towns Cymru – and supporting high street businesses to use data driven insights to make more informed business decisions,” said Medi, who hails from Anglesey.

“In the case of Bangor, the 1,500-year anniversary is a great opportunity to really showcase the city and boost the high street, which has been revitalised in past months.

“In partnership with the University, Bangor City Council and key stakeholders we will promote that positive news and create a buzz, supporting these businesses with strategies, using technology to look at footfall and trends and signposting people to the offering here.

“I am thankful for the University’s support and resources via the SIV voucher, and together we will continue to work together to build a digital platform national retailers, businesses and independent traders can benefit from for years to come.”

Dr Thomas echoed those words and feels with their expertise and passion for the region, this historic year will be even more special.

“The relationship is ongoing with a focus on the 1,500 years but long-term there will be a good, central communications point that brings everyone together with one clear vision, to drive visitors and shoppers to the high street and promote Bangor.”

Martin Hanks, City Director for Bangor, added: “Over the last 12 months we have seen an upturn in the high street, the shopping centre has been sold, new businesses are appearing and there are plans for a medical hub and learning centre – we are seeing green shoots of recovery.

“With this being such a landmark year there will be a series of events, there are big plans and with the fantastic work being done by Medi and the University we are heading in the right direction.”

The SIV scheme offered companies in Gwynedd, Anglesey, and Flintshire an opportunity to collaborate through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.

The Scheme is supported by Gwynedd Council. The project has received £360,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and been extended until March 31.

There were three types of vouchers available, redeemable in a range of areas including R&D, consultancy, skills and training, use of university facilities, use of specialist equipment, and access to knowledge: Midi: Up to £5,000 for five to eight days of support; Maxi: Up to £10,000 for 10 to 15 days of support, and Talent, with a value up to £5,000 for a 12 week graduate internship.

Nicola Sturrs, Business Development Manager for the SIV Scheme at Bangor University said: “We were delighted to award MPW Making Places Work with a Skills and Innovation Voucher.

“Dr Thomas has a wealth of knowledge and expertise around digital marketing, and his support will ultimately help towards increasing footfall in the city and the local community, so students and business owners will benefit.

“Having lived and worked in Bangor for most of my life, I’ve many happy memories of days spent shopping and socialising on the High Street.

“It was the place to be and the highlight of the week so it’s sad many of today’s generation, young and old, are missing out on the whole social shopping experience and the excitement of bumping into a familiar face – I’m sure this project will change that.”

She added: “Having received many expressions of interest around our SIV Vouchers, we are thrilled to have so far supported more than 40 businesses across Anglesey, Gwynedd and Flintshire over the last eight months.

“We hope to continue to support and collaborate with even more North Wales-based companies going forward.”

Visit The Skills and Innovation Voucher Scheme | Bangor University or email siv@bangor.ac.uk for more information.

For more information on MPW Making Places Work visit the website or Facebook.

News

Welsh invention a ‘game-changer’ in research and diagnosis of health conditions including cancer

A CUTTING-EDGE medical device which purifies and concentrates urine could be a game-changer in the research and diagnosis of health conditions including cancer.

With the support of Bangor University, Caernarfon-based Bee Robotics Ltd developed a prototype which purifies urine to leave a concentrated sample for biological analysis.

Spearheaded by coordinator Osborn Jones, the company – a leader in the design and manufacturing of advanced liquid-handling robotic solutions for more than 25 years – worked with the University to analyse and evaluate the automated process, having successfully been awarded a Skills and Innovation Voucher (SIV), which was redeemable against academic support.

The SIV scheme offered companies in Gwynedd, Anglesey, and Flintshire an opportunity to collaborate through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.

Osborn revealed they are very much in the “early stages” of their journey but thanked Edgar Hartsuiker, a Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Science at the North Wales Medical School Cancer Research Unit and Fab Lab Manager, John Story – both based at Bangor University – for their “innovation and guidance”.

“We were able to get a much more reliable test by concentrating and purifying the urine samples,” said Osborn.

“And what sets this apart from other sample analysis is automation, it means we can undertake the process much more quickly.”

“However, it was very important we understood the science behind the process, which is where the support we received from the University was critical.”

He added: “We will continue testing, will keep working on this and with the prototype we can take a sample and concentrate it, while reducing the number of inhibitors to allow more sensitive diagnostic tests.

“I have never seen anything like this with automation for analysis, there is no human interference at all, so it could be a game changer in diagnosing and researching different medical conditions.”

Having collaborated with Bee Robotics previously, John was pleased to help Osborn with this latest invention.

“Osborn had identified a relatively recent and novel technique and wanted to explore it, so we created a machine that would allow him to pursue that idea,” he said.

“As a result, he has been able to demonstrate the value of the technique and is looking at where this could be applied, primarily in the health sector.”

“We were delighted to support him during this initial phase of development and are excited to see how the project evolves.”

“We also want to thank Osborn for the opportunity to collaborate and warmly invite other companies to explore working with the XLAB team.”

Edgar added: “This is a great example of a multidisciplinary collaboration between a local company and Bangor University, with the potential of improving the early detection of various diseases, making a real difference to peoples’ lives.”

The Skills and Innovation Voucher Scheme is supported by Gwynedd Council. The project has received £360,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and been extended until March 31.

There were three types of vouchers available, redeemable in a range of areas including R&D, consultancy, skills and training, use of university facilities, use of specialist equipment, and access to knowledge: Midi: Up to £5,000 for five to eight days of support; Maxi: Up to £10,000 for 10 to 15 days of support, and Talent, with a value up to £5,000 for a 12 week graduate internship.

For more information, visit The Skills and Innovation Voucher Scheme | Bangor University or email siv@bangor.ac.uk.

Visit Bee Robotics | Innovators in laboratory automation for the Biotech industry for the latest news and information from Bee Robotics.

News

Timber business branching out into new markets and territories with university support

A TIMBER company approaching five years in business will branch out into new markets and territories with the support of a leading university.

Snowdon Timber has navigated post-pandemic challenges to grow significantly in recent times.

Launched in 2019 by Jody Goode, from Old Colwyn, the firm now employs 14 staff at its sites in Mochdre and Bangor.

The latter is a 20,000 sq ft warehouse and headquarters on Llandegai Industrial Estate, where they supply a range of products – including decking, sleepers, and firewood – to customers including national retailers.

With plans to expand further, Jody contacted Bangor University to capitalise on its Skills and Innovation Voucher (SIV) Scheme, which offers companies in Gwynedd, Anglesey and Flintshire an opportunity to collaborate through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.

Snowdon Timber successfully applied for a SIV voucher for academic research and are currently receiving support from Bangor Business School academics to further improve sales platforms online.

The company has also taken on a graduate from the School of Computer Science and Engineering for a three-month placement to assist with ecommerce and marketing.

“The scheme is fantastic, we look forward to seeing how it benefits us long-term,” said Jody, who traded timber internationally for a decade before launching the company.

“We import from all over the world – particularly Eastern Europe – and are growing sustainably, so having access to that knowledge and the extra resource will enable us to take the next steps as a business.”

He added: “This sector was hard-hit coming out of the pandemic as costs increased and the price of timber fell by 40%, so we have had to overcome a lot of obstacles.

“But in the last year or so we have bounced back and are now focused on strengthening our presence online, streamlining the ecommerce software, automation and technology side so we can take advantage of the position we are in.

“I’m sure via this collaboration we can analyse the data, use it to our commercial advantage and lay the foundations for further growth moving forward.”

Bangor University Business Development Manager Nicola Sturrs revealed that a total of 40 Skills and Innovation Vouchers have been awarded to firms across the region.

“The scheme has been a huge success, with a large amount of interest from SMEs especially keen to collaborate with our academics and provide opportunities for graduates,” said Nicola.

“We are excited to see how the partnership with Snowdon Timber takes shape and are sure it will have a positive impact.”

The SIV project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund on behalf of Gwynedd County Council, Isle of Anglesey County Council and Flintshire County Council.

There are three types of vouchers available, redeemable in a range of areas including R&D, consultancy, skills and training, use of university facilities, use of specialist equipment, and access to knowledge.

They are: Midi: Up to £5,000 for five to eight days of support; Maxi: Up to £10,000 for 10 to 15 days of support, and Talent, with a value up to £5,000 for a 12-week graduate internship.

For more information, visit The Skills and Innovation Voucher Scheme | Bangor University or email siv@bangor.ac.uk.

Visit Premium & Value Factory Rejects, Interior & Exterior Timber Products | Snowdon Timber for the latest news and information from Snowdon Timber.

News

Timber business branching out into new markets and territories with university support

A TIMBER company approaching five years in business will branch out into new markets and territories with the support of a leading university.

Snowdon Timber has navigated post-pandemic challenges to grow significantly in recent times.

Launched in 2019 by Jody Goode, from Old Colwyn, the firm now employs 14 staff at its sites in Mochdre and Bangor.

The latter is a 20,000 sq ft warehouse and headquarters on Llandegai Industrial Estate, where they supply a range of products – including decking, sleepers, and firewood – to customers including national retailers.

With plans to expand further, Jody contacted Bangor University to capitalise on its Skills and Innovation Voucher (SIV) Scheme, which offers companies in Gwynedd, Anglesey and Flintshire an opportunity to collaborate through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.

Snowdon Timber successfully applied for a SIV voucher for academic research and are currently receiving support from Bangor Business School academics to further improve sales platforms online.

The company has also taken on a graduate from the School of Computer Science and Engineering for a three-month placement to assist with ecommerce and marketing.

“The scheme is fantastic, we look forward to seeing how it benefits us long-term,” said Jody, who traded timber internationally for a decade before launching the company.

“We import from all over the world – particularly Eastern Europe – and are growing sustainably, so having access to that knowledge and the extra resource will enable us to take the next steps as a business.”

He added: “This sector was hard-hit coming out of the pandemic as costs increased and the price of timber fell by 40%, so we have had to overcome a lot of obstacles.

“But in the last year or so we have bounced back and are now focused on strengthening our presence online, streamlining the ecommerce software, automation and technology side so we can take advantage of the position we are in.

“I’m sure via this collaboration we can analyse the data, use it to our commercial advantage and lay the foundations for further growth moving forward.”

Bangor University Business Development Manager Nicola Sturrs revealed that a total of 40 Skills and Innovation Vouchers have been awarded to firms across the region.

“The scheme has been a huge success, with a large amount of interest from SMEs especially keen to collaborate with our academics and provide opportunities for graduates,” said Nicola.

“We are excited to see how the partnership with Snowdon Timber takes shape and are sure it will have a positive impact.”

The SIV project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund on behalf of Gwynedd County Council, Isle of Anglesey County Council and Flintshire County Council.

There are three types of vouchers available, redeemable in a range of areas including R&D, consultancy, skills and training, use of university facilities, use of specialist equipment, and access to knowledge.

They are: Midi: Up to £5,000 for five to eight days of support; Maxi: Up to £10,000 for 10 to 15 days of support, and Talent, with a value up to £5,000 for a 12-week graduate internship.

For more information, visit The Skills and Innovation Voucher Scheme | Bangor University or email siv@bangor.ac.uk.

Visit Premium & Value Factory Rejects, Interior & Exterior Timber Products | Snowdon Timber for the latest news and information from Snowdon Timber.