Here's how the University of Huddersfield could help power up your business

Proud sponsor of Examiner YorkshireLive Business Awards 2021 is sharing its knowledge with local companies

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Anne Southby

06:53, 6 DEC 2021

The University of Huddersfield's Dr Ertu Unver (centre) is pictured with Paxman's Patrick Burke (left) and Richard Paxman (right)

Powering up your business for life in a post pandemic world takes skill and ingenuity.

And drawing on the knowledge of academic experts, underpinned by pioneering research, can be a key driver for the growth and development of your company.

Thankfully, some of the ��Ƶ's finest minds are based right here, at the University of Huddersfield.

The university - a proud sponsor of the Innovation and Enterprise category at the , is working hand-in-glove with companies through schemes like Knowledge Transfer Partnerships. And it is producing some astonishing results.

“KTPs are a strategic focus for the University of Huddersfield and a number of the programmes have received national recognition for their success,” explains Laura Forester-Green, recently appointed as KTP Manager to help drive and support this initiative.

“Across the university, we are taking steps to increase our portfolio throughout all of our schools of study, including and encompassing disciplines such as computing, engineering, applied sciences and the arts, humanities and social sciences.”

The KTP scheme, a ��Ƶ-wide programme part-funded by ��Ƶ Research and Innovation through Innovate ��Ƶ as part of the government’s Industrial Strategy, has been running more than 45 years. It works as a three-way partnership between a business, a ��Ƶ university and a graduate, known as the KTP Associate.

“KTPs help companies improve their competitiveness and productivity through innovation, enhancing knowledge, technology and skills by collaborating with an academic team within the university,” explains Laura.

“Projects are of strategic importance to the business; the knowledge and insights transferred and embedded lead to commercial impact and longer term business growth.”

High profile success stories include the university’s partnership with local engineering firm Associated Utility Supplies, to deliver rail safety and infrastructure innovations. The project has enhanced the company’s reputation with Network Rail and led to further relationships with the Department of Transport and Innovate ��Ƶ. A second KTP is also under way, with former KTP Associate Harvey Kangley in the role of company supervisor.

And their long-standing collaboration with Huddersfield company Paxman goes from strength to strength. Following Innovate ��Ƶ’s award of ‘Outstanding’ to the partnership’s second KTP on the design of scalp cooling caps to prevent hair loss among patients during chemotherapy treatment, they launched the world’s first Scalp Cooling Research Centre, in February 2019, and the team are set to embark on their third KTP.

To find out more about the university’s KTP programme and how it could help your business .

All you need to know about the Examiner YorkshireLive Business Awards

The ceremony takes place at John Smith's Stadium on Friday, January 21. And it looks set to be an amazing night - with a list of 12 awards including accolades such as New Business of the Year, Diversity and Inclusion, Innovation and Enterprise - and the prestigious Business Person of the Year. The deadline for entries is December 5 - so there's no time to lose. Ticket information will be released soon.