Our KTPs

Danielle Moran
BA (Hons) Marketing and Human Resource Management
www.linkedin.com/in/daniellemoran-

Advanced Clothing Solutions (ACS) is one of the UK's leading circular and sustainable fashion fulfilment facilities. For 25 years, ACS has specialised in rental fulfilment and clothing renewal, they aspire to transform the fashion industry from the traditional linear take-make-dispose model toward a circular fashion model that extends the life of existing textiles and diverts clothing from landfills. ACS enables brands and retailers to introduce a rental or resale model alongside the existing e-commerce model.

KTP Aim:

To embed emerging leadership and management theory, implement organisational and culture change and equip ACS with knowledge, skills, systems and processes to exploit the rapidly expanding global market for fashion rental and transition ACS from a SME to large business over the next 5 years.

“The KTP has undoubtedly been transformational to ACS. It will also support the transition of the fashion industry to a more sustainable place.” - Anthony Burns, Chief Operating Officer

KTP Impact:

• Increase in sales turnover expected over 3 years: £5,000,000
• Total number of new staff: 20
• Total number of staff trained: 150

Notable Achievements:

• Gained insights into the typical consumer profile for rental wear
• Detailed market research was carried out
• Attracted high profile attention from the fashion industry
• Carried out research into international market selection
• CRM system implementation
• Development of a marketing department

Heather Beattie
BA Business (Hons)
www.linkedin.com/in/heatherbeattie7/

More on Heather's experience as a KTP Associate here.

Albion Environmental Limited was established in 2002 and has developed into one of the UK’s leading consultants specialising in waste management, environmental, health and safety solutions. They deliver strategic advice, support and training to the waste management, facilities management and construction industries in both the public and private sectors.

KTP Aim:

The project will enhance management’s capability in the areas of strategic marketing and business development. The project will also inform and enhance management’s decision making and drive productivity gains through streamlined and automated business processes and customer relationship management.

Hayley Scullion
MSc Digital Marketing
www.linkedin.com/in/hayleyscullion/

Wholesale bread supplier specialising in traditional, slow processed sourdough bread made with fresh milled flour in Leith.

KTP Aim:

KTP supporting business scale-up, delivered by enhanced management capability and digital transformation.

Shu Yang
MSc International Strategic Marketing
www.linkedin.com/in/shu-yang-4b0818103/

Consult Lift Services Ltd are a leading supplier of Lift and Escalator solutions to businesses and institutions throughout Scotland. We specialise in the supply and installation of all lift types, ranging from 50kg service lifts to 15,000kg goods lifts.

KTP Aim:

To embed leadership and management skills alongside modern business systems and processes; underpinning future business growth and sustainability through product and service innovation, enhanced management capability and effectiveness and improved business productivity.

Michael Morrison
(BA) Communication
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeljohnmorrison

Digitonic are an award winning mobile marketing technology company based in the UK, with offices in Glasgow and London.

KTP Aim:

To embed key leadership skills within the business, spanning strategic planning, organisational development, culture change and resilience, underpinned by ongoing digital transformational technologies, in order to exploit validated opportunities for rapid international business growth; and do so in a sustainable manner.

Teresiah Njihia
https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresiah-njihia-1448a282

Farmtrack, based in Kenya and Scotland’s first African KTP, provide consultancy services in agro production. Services range from training to farmer support on all aspects of crop production; agronomically and technically.

KTP Aim:

Working  in partnership with Mount Kenya University, UWS and Farmtrack are seeking to develop a novel and environmentally friendly female fruit fly protein baited trap using locally available raw materials; to enhance supply chains (mangoes); and to address a key global food production challenge and contribute towards both societal and economic impact within Kenya and Africa.

Fido specialise in solving difficult and complex problems efficiently and professionally, sharing best practice throughout their company and with their clients to ensure the best customer outcome. Fido AI is our response to the water industry’s problem of leakage. Fido is helping the water industry reduce the time from leak alarm to leak fix and post fix audit.

KTP Aim:

To enhance management capability, implement organisational and cultural change and transition FIDO from a R&D focused technology company to an established professional services business within the water industry; helping reduce water loss along the way (a global issue in developed and developing countries alike).

Gordon Jack
PhD Management
www.linkedin.com/in/gordonrajack/

Inspiring Projects Involving Glass, I P I G,  design and install cutting-edge glass to international projects, challenging the boundaries of glass in response to clients' specifications. I P I G’s glass is associated with some of the world’s most recognisable organisations and brands.

KTP Aim:

To undertake a market led strategic change and business development project, underpinned by optimised business process management systems, customer-centric culture and strategic agility; delivering sustainable growth in the UK and internationally.

Verena Henn
Master of Fine Arts
www.linkedin.com/in/verenahenn/

More on Verena’s experience as a KTP Associate here.

Awarded the highest grade of "Outstanding" by the KTP Grading Panel for its achievement in meeting KTP's Objectives.

ISO is a digital media and software studio and that design, direct and build large scale interactive and immersive media projects.

KTP Aim:

To embed advanced visualisation knowledge and expertise (both augmented reality and virtual reality) in support of emerging global business opportunities.

“The KTP helped us to accelerate our ambitions for the studio, bringing much needed specialist support in creating new opportunities, roles and commissions.” - Damien Smith, Partner

KTP Impact:

• Increase in sales turnover expected over 3 years: >£750,000
• Increased staff numbers expected over 3 years: 4
• Further investment in research and development: £75,000

Notable Achievements:

• IsoLABS launched and Associate retained as Head of Research & Innovation;
• New business wins: projects including Hans Christian Anderson Museum, Odense, The Burrell Collection Glasgow and Oman Across the Ages Museum, Oman;
• Follow-on Innovate UK funded project secured with the Tramway on new digital tools to help organisations bounce-back from COVID-19;
• Ministerial Visit, Ivan McKee MSP, to launch new Scottish Government Industrial plan;
• New service offering demonstrated in Scotland and internationally:
  • AHRC’s Beyond Festival Edinburgh
  • Creation of a new ‘Diversity Prototype’ as part of VR Summer School in Antwerp
  • Working with Artists-in Residence (Motion Capture and Live Performance) and National Theatre of Scotland Director-in-residence (Virtual Production and gesture-based interactivity)
  • SXSW, Austin (later transferred to VR Ham, Hamburg)
  • Alternative Realities at Sheffield Documentary Festival

Anna Stoll
MSc Palaeoanthropology
www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stoll97

KEY is a facilities management consultancy. Specialists at understanding client needs, they tailor True FM services and smart technologies into market-leading solutions which guarantee compliance, cost-savings and desired standards of service delivery.

KTP Aim:

To facilitate international expansion and increased business productivity through a combination of organisational and cultural change and enhanced management capability; all underpinned by streamlined business systems, processes and procedures and enhanced business insight / management reporting.

Elaine Syme

KubeNet are a leading provider of business telecoms, voice, data and Cloud solutions for customers in the UK and globally.

KTP Aim:

To embed management skills, knowledge and experience in support of rapid business growth, geographical expansion and increased productivity; with an initial focus on scaling up KubeNet's "managed services" offering.

Louise Harkiss
BA Business
www.linkedin.com/in/louise-harkiss-0a76343b/

Lochlie are a construction services and project management company. Offering the full package from building your house from the ground to wiring and electrics to providing project management advice.

KTP Aim:

To upskill and empower management by embedding strategy development, strategic planning, organisational development and change management expertise; enhancing strategic agility, accelerating business growth and improving productivity.

Amber Lu Fang
MSc Media and Communications
www.linkedin.com/in/amber-lu-fang/

The Modo platform is a cloud-based service which intelligently locates users digital files and attachments across all their devices and online platforms and helps organise them to give users a live and updating overview of all their digital content.

KTP Aim:  

A follow on KTP to their first technical KTP with UWS, this project seeks to accelerate and de-risk international business expansion through the embedding of strategic marketing knowledge and expertise, enhancing both organisational and management performance in the areas of opportunity identification, ranking and exploitation.

Patrick Afchain
BA (Hons) Business IT & eBusiness
uk.linkedin.com/in/patrick-afchain-54b6519

More on Patrick’s experience as a KTP Associate here.

Awarded the highest grade of "Outstanding" by the KTP Grading Panel for its achievement in meeting KTP's Objectives.

The Oak Tree features a popular bar and restaurant serving Scottish food and drink. There is also B&B accommodation, a village shop and St Mocha Coffee Shop & Ice Cream Parlour. 

KTP Aim: 

To embed strategic planning and decision making expertise, informed by advanced management information systems, to drive business expansion and resilience. 

“When the KTP came on board it felt like another family member became a part of our team; and despite the hospitality and tourism industry facing the worst crisis arguably ever with Covid-19, we have come through the crisis TOGETHER with a new vision, new business and the confidence that we can face any and every challenge that confronts tourism and hospitality in the future.” - Alexander Fraser, Director 

KTP Impact: 

• Increase in sales turnover expected over 3 years: £3,000,000 
• Total plant and machinery investment: £4,300,000 
• Total number of new staff: 59 

Notable Achievements: 

• Implementation of new digital management information systems and integrated dashboard system 
• Embedding of new strategic planning and evidence based decision making processes 
• Greatly improved senior management team processes and resulting increased resilience of the business 
• Improvements to various business units, resulting directly in increased sales and profitability 
• Support for the opening of two new businesses and on-going development of a third 
• Embedding of new HR, finance and sales processes 
• Improved online marketing activity and processes resulting in “best ever” winter/spring season income 
• Associate started a PhD 
• Case study published in one of Europe’s leading strategy textbooks; and digital case study website developed 
• Various student Masters projects; student internships; use of KTP business in teaching; and visits by international academic groups 

Rackit are a leading provider of pallet racking, shelving systems, mezzanine floors, lockers, partitioning and associated products. With over 100 years of combined knowledge of solving multiple storage problems throughout all industries.

KTP Aim:

To enhance management capability and, through a combination of digital transformation, organisational and culture change, release capacity, increase operational efficiency and improve business agility and resilience; enabling Rackit to sustainably exploit opportunities for rapid international business expansion.

Lauren SeBlonka
MSc Sociology
www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-seblonka-96a67320b/

Routes to Work are a registered charity who were founded in 2002, they launched their employability services in March 2003. Throughout their 15 years of operation they have provided support and guidance to over 57,000+ unemployed residents and assisted in excess of 17,000 people into work with 70%+ sustained in work after 6 months.

KTP Aim:

To upskill and empower management in the areas of strategy and strategic planning, econometric modelling, service innovation and organisational change; underpinning growth, geographical expansion and improved service delivery.

Scott Rideout

With over 35 years experience in the ATM and Financial Services industries, the founders created SONAS in 2016 as a result of the increasing demand for a digital solution to reconciliation and control processes in relation to remote devices such as ATM's, parking systems and vending machines.

KTP Aims:

To embed market strategy & business process theory to implement a market led cultural change that equips SONAS staff with the knowledge and skills required to develop strategic agility, optimise and accelerate growth whilst exploiting the niche market of cash & electronic vendor & parking payments.

WCC Group is a family run business, established in 1994 and originally working in the forestry sector planting and felling trees. However, WCC Group quickly grew to take on other works such as Civil Engineering, Security Fencing, Hard & Soft Landscaping, Ground Maintenance and Tree Services.

KTP Aim:

To develop an innovative business ecosystem utilising emerging digital solutions, enabling and empowering management to enhance operational efficiency and deliver sustainable business growth.

Emmanuel Epelle

Advanced Clothing Solutions (ACS) is one of the UK's leading circular and sustainable fashion fulfilment facilities. For 25 years, ACS has specialised in rental fulfilment and clothing renewal, they aspire to transform the fashion industry from the traditional linear take-make-dispose model toward a circular fashion model that extends the life of existing textiles and diverts clothing from landfills. ACS enables brands and retailers to introduce a rental or resale model alongside the existing e-commerce model.

KTP Aim:

To embed automation and physical chemistry expertise, underpinning the design, development and implementation of a novel in-line garment sanitisation process; addressing existing batch process constraints and unlocking capacity for accelerated growth.

Lewis Flemming
PhD Physics
www.linkedin.com/in/lewis-fleming-b06a16b4/

More on Lewis’s experience as a KTP Associate here.

Alphasense are motivated and inspired to help their customers build a world that’s safer, cleaner and more energy efficient through sensor technology.

KTP Aim:

To embed knowledge of linear variable filter and miniaturised infrared spectrometry technology to support design and launch of a new range of optical sensor systems that can detect and speciate Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), to monitor indoor air quality and emissions from industrial plants.

“We are entering a new market within air quality, with a new technology. The KTP has given us the opportunity to bridge from TRL 3 to TRL 7. While solving the technology challenges, we also built a solid R&D relationship with UWS and helped start a University spinout.” - Dr. John Saffell, Technical Director

KTP Impact:

• Increase in sales turnover expected over 3 years: £600,000
• Total plant and machinery investment: £70,000
• Total staff trained: 6

Notable Achievements:

• Produced a miniature near-infrared (NIR) spectrometer for the detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• Optical and mechanical system design solidified
• Advancement of LVF technology
• Functional prototype delivered
• Strong working relationship between UWS and Alphasense
• Spinout company Albasense created

Awarded the highest grade of "Outstanding" by the KTP Grading Panel for its achievement in meeting KTP's Objectives.

Aqualife is a global leader in fish care and vaccination services, positioned at the geographical heart of the fish farming business in the UK and Norway. They work with clients around the world to deliver a range of professional services to the aquaculture industry, working in partnership with clients to ensure their fish care standards are optimised to ensure a more sustainable and profitable future for their business and local environment.

KTP Aim:

To develop new processes and technologies to increase the efficiency and improve the animal welfare of the fish handling and vaccination process.

“KTP has allowed the company to take the first steps on the journey to making a pipe dream into a reality. We saw the future was full automation in 2000, however we soon found out that technology wasn't advanced enough and/or to expensive, now at the end of the KTP in 2015, using technology developed during the KTP, this is well within reach.” - Philip Brown, Technical Director

KTP Impact:

• Increase in sales turnover expected over 3 years: £2,000,000
• Total plant and machinery investment: >£850,000
• Further investment in research and development: >£1,800,000

Notable Achievements:

• Associate retained by company as employee, now a senior team member
• Combination of engineering, design and fish welfare knowledge embedded as the result of a collaboration between academics from the School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences and the School of Health and Life Science

Michael Fagbohungbe
PhD in Computing
www.linkedin.com/in/michaelfagbohungbe/

More on Michael’s experience as a KTP Associate here.

Awarded the highest grade of "Outstanding" by the KTP Grading Panel for its achievement in meeting KTP's Objectives.

Since 1868 Baxters has dedicated itself to creating high quality food products. What’s grown over four generations is an iconic brand that sits on shelves across the UK.

KTP Aim:

To embed waste and process management knowledge and expertise, helping Baxters Food Group reduce their environmental footprint, achieve best-in-class performance and support business growth.

“The KTP has been so beneficial to solving existing problems on site that we did not have the resources to tackle prior to the partnership. I would strongly encourage any business to consider engaging in a KTP with Innovate UK and a prestigious facility such as UWS to realise potential and better your processes.” - Mark Stockwell, European Environmental Manager

KTP Impact:

• The project has contributed to £230,000 in savings with a projected further £1,300,000 per annum by 2025
• Increase in sales turnover expected over 3 years: >£1,000,000
• Total plant and machinery investment: £200,000

Notable Achievements:

• Achieved an approximate 45% reduction in caustic chemical use
• Eliminated molasses purchase and use
• Improved effluent monitoring
• Created a detailed site model
• Minimised erratic nature of final effluent
• Continuous knowledge transfer
• Implementation of waste prevention strategies
• Cultural change “No food waste to drain”
• Initiated diversion of surplus food as animal feed
• Recovered of phosphorus and potassium from sludge and food waste

Ankhbayar Otgonbayar

BRS Technology are a Glasgow based company providing a range of services to help you achieve Building Regulations Compliance across the UK.

KTP Aim:

To apply deep learning and establish a predictive framework for establishing building "health" within commercial and social housing environments.

“The KTP project allowed us to bring in expertise and support to the business which just wouldn't be possible for an SME on an organic basis. It’s helped grow the business knowledge significantly beyond what we could have achieved without the project.” - Michael McKiernan, Director

KTP Impact:

Increase in annual sales turnover expected over 3 years: £2,000,000

Total number of new staff: 2

Total number of staff trained: 5

Notable Achievements:

• Associate retained by the company as a Data Scientist, the company’s first hiring focusing on data-driven innovation and business expansion
• Development of data-driven mould risk assessment framework capable of predicting mould based on indoor sensory data along with historical weather forecast
• Development of a real-time sensing framework and reliable network to extract sensor data from constrained environments having limited network connectivity
• Development of cloud-based dwelling monitoring dashboard to configure and seamlessly manage mould alerts across various house types, locations, property managers, and housing associations to name a few
• Deployed and piloted the framework and network across various house types and different indoor environments to collect real-time data
• Developed state of the art in mould risk, indoor sensor placement, and ultra-reliable real-time network challenges in dense urban areas
• Developed and enhanced project, people, communication and business skills
• Showcasing UWS industry-focused research and collaboration to Chinese state delegates through State Administration of Foreign Exchange initiative
• Working partnership between UWS and BRS to extend the collaboration through joint projects, impact creation, UWS graduate employability, and guest lectures

Awarded the highest grade of "Outstanding" by the KTP Grading Panel for its achievement in meeting KTP's Objectives.

CC Technology have expertise in the domain of application processing and grant portfolio management is founded on the past 10 years’ experience of working with many major grant awarding bodies across the UK, Europe and further afield.

KTP Aim:

To develop a new, highly configurable, application and review software tool that utilises latest thinking in workflow, user-customisable forms and internationalisation.

Mehdi Goli

Codeplay has developed a range of products called Acoran that bridge the gap between the latest AI processors and AI application developers using well established open standard interfaces.

KTP Aim:

To embed video codec expertise, in order to exploit market opportunities within the mobile device marketplace.

“The KTP has been transformational for this business on all fronts since the KTP started. The project has directly contributed to Codeplay’s current global positioning and recognition as a leading company in the eld of AI and HPC with the likes of Google, ARM, Intel and NVIDIA, resulting in both significant business growth, a seven-figure contract win during the period of the KTP project alone and also long-term collaboration with leading technology companies such as ARM, Intel Renesas, and Imagination.” - Codeplay

KTP Impact:

• 100% increase in revenue since the start of the KTP project
• Total number of new staff: 30
• Codeplay product has now been downloaded >25,000

Notable Achievements:

• Associate retained by company as a Senior Software Engineer, subsequently promoted to Principal Software Engineer and is now the Vice President of Research & Development at Codeplay
• By the end of the project, all targets were exceeded
• As a direct result of the KTP project, Codeplay were able to:
  • Work with Google engineers to support the most advanced AI framework available, TensorFlow, via Codeplay’s tools on arrange of Codeplay’s customers’ processors
  • Bring customers such as Arm and Imagination Technologies to Codeplay’s tools
  • Persuade Intel and Xilinx to adopt the Codeplay-led SYCL standard across all its processors (what Intel calls its “OneAPI” strategy), expanding Codeplay’s market hugely
• Ongoing relationship with UWS - interns, advisory board participation and funded KTPS
• UWS has produced 2 conference papers and 3 journal papers

Consult Lift Services Ltd are a leading supplier of Lift and Escalator solutions to businesses and institutions throughout Scotland. We specialise in the supply and installation of all lift types, ranging from 50kg service lifts to 15,000kg goods lifts.

KTP Aim:

To embed mechanical engineering & modular design framework expertise, SMART control knowledge and product data management (PDM) to develop a new NPD capability in support of Consult Lift Services (CLS) strategic ambition to become an OEM/lift manufacturer.

Trtl’s aim is to make travel comfortable, enjoyable and stress-free, so that both business travelers and vacationers alike can arrive at their destination refreshed, rested and ready to explore. Trtl know that the journey isn’t always the best part of the trip and are always looking for new ways they can innovate and improve the travel experience.

KTP Aims:

Embed Machine Learning and AI to develop a platform capable of addressing ongoing counterfeiting, piracy and unauthorised distribution of Trtl products, protecting the Trtl brand as well as the brands of other online sellers who use the platform.

Jawwad Latif
BSc, MSc, PhD, MIET
www.linkedin.com/in/jawwad-latif-538463167/

Fido specialise in solving difficult and complex problems efficiently and professionally, sharing best practice throughout their company and with their clients to ensure the best customer outcome. Fido AI is our response to the water industry’s problem of leakage. Fido is helping the water industry reduce the time from leak alarm to leak fix and post fix audit.

KTP Aim:

Application of MEMS technology, machine learning & data analytics to provide advanced leak detection and network visualisation services to water utilities in the UK and internationally.

Aasim Khurshid
PhD Computer Science (Computer Vision and Machine Learning)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aasim-khurshid-ph-d-9b4b6a19/

Amplifying wellness and inclusion strategies through engaging, authentic and powerful content - communicating messages of support and encouragement at the point of need.

KTP Aim:

To embed artificial intelligence knowledge and apply advanced data-science techniques in order to provide a platform for business growth, improve productivity and enhance Frog's service offering.

Stephen Honnan
BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenhonnan/

Bespoke VR / AR solutions for business. Technical solutions, training and business services for Wedding and Funeral professionals. Cutting edge training using Virtual Reality.

KTP Aim:

To embed virtual and augmented reality knowledge and expertise, underpinning the launch of a disruptive extended reality soft skills training platform and service offering.

Golden Casket is one of the largest and most innovative confectionery specialists in the UK. Their famous Millions brand celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2016 along with One Pounders which has grown to have now over 65 different varieties in its range.

KTP Aim:

To develop the capability and understanding to implement app development, database management, data mining and business intelligence informed decision making to improve customer engagement, marketing and sales.

“The concept of KTP projects will be foreign to many if not all small businesses. However, if any business is willing to commit time and effort to implementing a KTP project, their business can realise benefits far beyond the originally intended objectives. KTP's also open other opportunities of networking with very intelligent people whose theoretical approach can provide massive improvements in not only process management, but corporate culture as well. There is much more potential for continued success and improvement where companies are willing to invest the time and effort to realise it.” - David Finch, Operations Director

KTP Impact:

• Increase in sales turnover expected over 3 years: £500,000
• Total number of new staff: 2
• Total number of staff trained: 12

Notable Achievements:

• Retention of the Associate by the University as a Research Assistant
• Created a mobile platform that is built around the needs of Golden Caskets sales representatives and embeds the company values
• Improved workflow as sales representative are now able to make orders and query the stock supply in real-time from the mobile platform as well as check their own sales performance over time
• Embedding technical knowledge about mobile development and business intelligence within the company
• A change in culture within the company as the KTP associate was the second non-UK worker and the first Asian to work at Golden Casket
• Strong relationship established with Golden Casket through the project, with the company recognising the value of the partnership to the point that they funded an industrial project with UWS to expand the project outcomes to shop owners and the general public
• Two papers submitted to international conferences
• Associate MBA registration at UWS
• Two Postgraduate projects
• Case studies and data for teaching and research activities at the university

Halo Communications are a complete telecommunications provider offering business phone systems, infrastructure projects, and IT & cloud services. They deliver complete network solutions; consolidating existing systems from multiple suppliers into one, manageable solution with one point of contact for support.

KTP Aim:

Application of advanced cloud based data warehousing, machine learning and cloud/mobile technologies to streamline operations, enhance Halo's service offering and underpin future business expansion.

Hart Lifts provide expert, flexible and smart-thinking lift maintenance and refurbishment solutions since 1989. Servicing sites throughout Central Scotland from the West coast to the East, from Dundee to the Scottish Borders, with their team of expert local engineers to take care of properties and people 24 hours a day 365 days per year.

KTP Aim:

To embed machine learning expertise in support of a new predictive maintenance service offering, accelerating UK growth and facilitating international expansion.

Daniel Melia
PhD 

More on Daniel’s experience as a KTP Associate here.

Awarded the highest grade of "Outstanding" by the KTP Grading Panel for its achievement in meeting KTP's Objectives.

Helia Photonics is a photonics company based in Livingston, Scotland, specialising in the production of thin film coatings on laser facets, free space optics, fibre ends and semiconductor devices. They also provide semiconductor cleaving services, sawing, dicing and polishing services, film deposition photolithography, and laser bar testing.

KTP Aim:

To embed advanced robotics and automation design knowledge in order to exploit emerging market opportunities and increase productivity.

“This 2-year KTP project has exceeded our expectations. We have benefited from and gained specialist knowledge which is hugely beneficial to the business. We are delighted our Associate is now joining us as a full-time robotics engineer.” - Dr Antoine Boudet, Senior Development Engineer

As a relatively new industry with immense global potential, the Photonics industry is constantly evolving and consolidating. One of the defining trends in the last 10 years has been towards the miniaturisation of some type of chips, a crucial step for faster telecommunications (for laser diodes), ultra-compact embedded systems (for photonic integrated circuits) and novel cutting-edge technologies expected to mature within the next 20 years. For these technologies, the constant move to smaller devices has now reached a stage where standard processing tools and manual techniques are becoming inadequate, resulting in slow and costly processes with very low success yields.

KTP Impact:

Increase in annual sales turnover expected over 3 years: >£1,000,000

Planned R&D spend in related areas over 5 years: £400,000

Total number of staff trained: 8

Notable Achievements:

• Associate retained by company as a robotics engineer
• This KTP project has produced a unique robotic system, able to manipulate very small components (down to <150μm size) with μm-level precision over a workspace of over half a meter square
• The development of this innovative new system has significantly transformed production of the components, with yields increasing by almost 2000%, and production time decreasing by 4000%
• This system is fully automated based on a custom vision recognition and control software, and can be used for a range of processes involving devices too small to be manipulated by standard pick-and-place machines or human technicians
• This system allows Helia Photonics to apply its highly optimised semiconductor processes and coatings on a fast-growing range of ultra-small devices, a capability it did not possess before the KTP project. This is now a major addition to Helia’s toolkit and an important service offering to their customers

Awarded the highest grade of "Outstanding" by the KTP Grading Panel for its achievement in meeting KTP's Objectives.

Hydroklear are a family run organisation operating in the UK and overseas water, effluent and process solutions industry for more than 20 years.

KTP Aim:

To develop a novel zero waste process for removal of metal ions from distillery wastewater.

Imrandd combine engineering expertise and tactical implementation with a commercial understanding, looking at asset integrity management from a more commercial standpoint. They detail the long term strategic business implications of assets, enabling their customers to make more informed decisions, identify and improve cost efficiencies, increase uptime and improve production.

KTP Aim:

To apply deep learning to asset integrity management within the Oil and Gas sector, reducing risk and improving operational efficiency.

KEY is a facilities management consultancy. Specialists at understanding client needs, they tailor True FM services and smart technologies into market-leading solutions which guarantee compliance, cost-savings and desired standards of service delivery.

KTP Aim:

To apply artificial intelligence, virtualisation technology to develop the next generation of automated facilities management solutions.

Benjamin Tilbury
MSc Artificial Intelligence
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bentilbury/

Kibble supports at risk children and young people (aged 5-26) across the UK. Many of the young people they care for have experienced significant trauma in their lives and Kibble offers dedicated care and support to help them move forward. This includes residential and community support, as well as dedicated schools and wellbeing services.

KTP Aim:

To develop an advanced remote health monitoring and behavioural analysis solution utilising machine vision and artificial intelligence to improve operational efficiency, enhance care provision and generate new revenue streams through commercialisation of resulting IP.

Adeel Rafiq
BSc, MSc, PhD
https://www.linkedin.com/in/adeel-rafiq-29915338/

KubeNet are a leading provider of business telecoms, voice, data and Cloud solutions for customers in the UK and globally.

KTP Aim:

To embed artificial Intelligence and advanced data analytics and networks knowledge to enhance network resilience, add value to customer service offerings and improve business performance and scale up potential.

Rajat Awasthi
BSc (Hons) Computer Science
www.linkedin.com/in/rajat-awasthi-93405124/

Little’s are a team of experienced travel specialists, offering a highly personalised service across the UK and internationally. They take time to get to know their clients and understand their priorities so Little’s can tailor their services to the individual’s requirements.

KTP Aim:

To undertake the digital transformation of an established family business and, in so doing, provide a platform for sustainable international growth.

“Had we not embarked on the KTP, we would have been forced down the less satisfactory route of engaging a specialist software company or programmer on a much tighter commercial remit, with less prospect of the end result being achieved where the developer (in this case the Associate) joins the company on a permanent basis. The collaborative approach of the KTP, and significantly the support provided by the academic team, at our weekly meetings through lockdown, as well as the LMCs has allowed for a much more company focused outcome than I believe we would have had if we had taken another route develop new software.”
- Kenneth W R Good, Operations Director

KTP Impact:

• Increase in sales turnover expected over 3 years: £3,000,000
• Total number of new staff: 5
• Total number of staff trained: 10

Notable Achievements:

• Developed skills to create state-of-the-art mobile application to connect the Company to mobile employees/units
• Developed skills to deploy latest technology to provide the Company with an end-to-end system to support their core business processes
• Developed essential business and social communication skills critical for the management of business technology project

Lumen is an attention technology company that uses eye tracking to measure and predict the reality of visual engagement.

KTP Aim:

To embed machine learning expertise and develop a software tool for predicting a viewer’s likely response to a range of visual communications (adverts).

Resheph Gholi
MSc Big Data

More on Resheph’s experience as a KTP Associate here.

Awarded the highest grade of "Outstanding" by the KTP Grading Panel for its achievement in meeting KTP's Objectives.

The Modo platform is a cloud-based service which intelligently locates users digital files and attachments across all their devices and online platforms and helps organise them to give users a live and updating overview of all their digital content.

KTP Aim:  

To embed machine learning expertise and develop the next generation of digital content management platform.

“KTP has been a perfect bridge in porting academic success and embedding it into industry. More should be done to extend these programs for a wider collaboration between our universities and businesses.” - Kashif Khan, Director

KTP Impact:

• Increase in sales turnover expected over 3 years: >£10,000,000
• Increased staff numbers expected over 3 years: 11
• Further investment in research and development: £1,000,000

Notable Achievements:

• Associate retained by company as employee
• Developed state of the art CBIR and Person Identification frameworks knowledge and expertise
• Developed and enhanced project, people, communication and business skills
• Gained international business experience, travelling to China in order to meet and get experience from AliBaba's machine learning team
• 2 Journal papers published, one journal and one conference in preparation
• 4 Postgraduate projects and 2 more envisaged for next year
• Two case studies - CBIR in mobile platform and person identification in agile environment
• Associate PhD registration
• Received annual bonus in recognition of performance

Mhairi Rogan
BSc (Hons) Physics
www.linkedin.com/in/mhairi-rogan-minstp-2a8a81139/

More on Mhairi’s experience as a KTP Associate here.

Awarded the highest grade of "Outstanding" by the KTP Grading Panel for its achievement in meeting KTP's Objectives.

Novosound is an award winning Scottish sensors company utilising thin-film processes to eliminate conventional limitations in ultrasound sensors.

KTP Aim:  

To embed thin film design and optimisation capability in support of a new generation of advanced ultrasonic sensors.

“The KTP has presented an extremely positive opportunity for our company to develop its core technology through collaboration with academia.” - Dr Kevin McAughey, Lead Physicist

KTP Impact:

• Increase in sales turnover expected over 3 years: >£2,000,000
• Total plant and machinery investment: £365,000
• Investment in research and development: £1,000,000

Notable Achievements:

• Associate retained by company as employee
• Developed state of the art thin film deposition and characterisation knowledge and expertise
• Developed and enhanced project, people, communication/business skills
• Gained business and project management experience
• Registered for and pursuing MRes at UWS
• One paper published
• Associate MRes registration
• Novosound KTP formed the basis of a UWS Impact Case Study input to the Research Excellence Framework
• There is follow on work with Novosound secured through Royal Society Industrial Fellowship and a PhD funded by CENSIS

Omar Al-Dulaimi

Odour and Dust Solutions are a professional odour control and dust control company providing solutions throughout the UK. They operate out of offices and workshops in Kilmarnock, with a regional office in High Wycombe. Staff have over 15 years’ experience in the odour control and dust control industry.

KTP Aim:

To transfer the capability to develop a sustainable industrial platform for the production of algae-based remediation and odour control products.

“The KTP will be transformational for the business in terms of downstream business impact, upskilled workforce and new formulation development capability as well as supporting future work in the wider waste and environmental remediation industry.” - Odour and Dust Solutions

KTP Impact:

• Increase in sales turnover expected over 3 years: £720,000
• Total plant and machinery investment: £170,000
• Total number of new staff: 5

Notable Achievements:

• Delivered a viable product formulation
• Secured post Covid-19 agreement to access commercial composting sites for final testing
• Embedded background knowledge in the business
• Embedded innovation and NPD culture and mindset within the business
• Company developed the ability to quantify different Scottish seaweed sources for alginate
• Optimised the alginate extraction process
• Acquired knowledge of testing formulations to quantify their effectiveness in composting and odour elimination

Paisley Housing Association is a charitable registered Social Landlord (RSL) and it’s core business is the provision of affordable housing and the delivery of housing related services.  Housing associations aim to provide good, low cost accommodation for people who really need it.

KTP Aim:

To deliver a new framework for provision of online services, leading to improvements in customer service, occupancy rates, internal operational efficiency and supply chain engagement.

The international not-for-profit association for the mobile access tower industry. Representing the interests of manufacturers, suppliers, specifiers and users, it provides and oversees the industry standard training scheme and is a major publisher of safety-related knowledge, information and guidance.

KTP Aim:

To develop a number of online courses and to transition the company from a traditional training provider to an online training provider and thereby support the company's key strategic plans for expansion overseas.

“The Knowledge Transfer Partnership has given us access to resources that have been instrumental to the increase in our knowledge of online learning. As an organisation that is almost entirely dependent on training, the importance of this cannot be overstated.” - Peter Bennett, Managing Director

KTP Impact:

• Six figure turnover growth over three years

Notable Achievements:

• Report on Existing Provision and plan produced
• Market Assessment report produced
• Project Plan and Risk Assessment Report produced
• VLE selected and three-level conversion framework established
• Fully working delivery platform VLE installed and customised
• Tower for Users course developed for both the UK and Indian markets
• Course evaluated and academic paper produced
• Advanced interactivity run and evaluated, contributing towards intra-project profits -serious games added to Tower for Users course to make it more interactive and engaging
• Virtual Reality version of course also developed
• Serious games evaluated and academic paper produced
• Future plan developed

Peak Scientific is the world leader in the manufacture & support of laboratory grade gas generators, providing highly reliable and robust solutions, validated by the world's leading instrument manufacturers for many laboratory applications, including, LC-MS (Liquid Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry) and Gas Chromatography.

KTP Aim:

To embed proton exchange membrane electrolyser design capability and develop and in-house hydrogen cell for use in the company's range of Hydrogen generator.

Jakub Rycerz
PhD Advanced Composites
www.linkedin.com/in/jakub-rycerz-26235a181

More on Jakub’s experience as a KTP Associate here.

Awarded the highest grade of "Outstanding" by the KTP Grading Panel for its achievement in meeting KTP's Objectives.

Phoenix Instinct designs, develops and sells innovative mobility equipment giving greater independence for wheelchair users. Phoenix Instinct wheelchair luggage is the only wheelchair compatible luggage in the World offering travel independence to thousands of wheelchair users Worldwide. Now the company is developing the first ever ultra light smart wheelchair from its HQ in Scotland.

KTP Aim:

To embed advanced composite structures finite element design capability within the business, underpinning the design and development of a new range of SMART Ultralight wheelchair.

“There is simply not a better way to bring and manage new skills into your business than the KTP programme. The programme avoids the potential situation of bringing a new employee into a business where the company don't have the required specialist knowledge to manage them.” - Andrew Slorance, Founder and CEO

Outcome of the KTP:

• Risk mitigation for research and development resulting in innovative new products
• Growth of in house skills resulting in less use of contractors and greater control of design and development.
• Substantial cost savings made over out sourcing that would previously have been the only option
• Ultimately the company will deliver ground breaking mobility products that other companies would never develop

Notable Achievements:

• Associate retained by company as employee
• Project won the Toyota Mobility Foundation’s Mobility Unlimited Challenge $1,000,000 prize for their Ultra-lightweight Intelligent Wheelchair
• Developed highly complex composite FEA models which accurately represent the load paths and enable ply tailoring/ply drops to minimise the mass of the structure
• Develop an optimised design ensuring design specification, market demands and financial constraints are fulfilled
• Develop a weight critical structure utilising advanced composite materials and advanced nano-materials which will allow the integration of an articulating mechanism to balance centre of gravity (CG)
• Determined the most appropriate manufacturing solution balancing clearly defined acceptable costs, structural performance and volume

Moid Khan
PhD Biomedical/Medical Engineering
www.linkedin.com/in/muhammad-moid-khalid-khan-25937a84/

Phoenix Instinct designs, develops and sells innovative mobility equipment giving greater independence for wheelchair users. Phoenix Instinct wheelchair luggage is the only wheelchair compatible luggage in the World offering travel independence to thousands of wheelchair users Worldwide. Now the company is developing the first ever ultra light smart wheelchair from its HQ in Scotland.

KTP Aim:

To embed Electronics/IoT/Ai/Machine Learning expertise and develop the next generation of SMART wheelchair.

Thai Binh Nguyen

Raven is an innovative live-time integrated event logging and incident management tool giving multiple levels of command the greatest visibility yet.

KTP Aim:

To streamline and enhance event operations and incident management through application of artificial intelligence knowledge and expertise.

Cecilia Chaine
MSc Waste and Resource Management
www.linkedin.com/in/cecilia-chaine-a4829932/

Restructa was formed ahead of the UK Government introducing the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive. This legislation required all electrical products to be recycled at the end of their useful life. It defined TVs and monitors as ‘hazardous waste’ and banned them from going to landfill sites, instead a percentage of their materials now had to be recycled.

KTP Aim:

To identify plastics containing Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), as found in Waste Electric and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), improving processing practice, ensuring compliance with emerging legislative changes and, in so doing, reduce the potential for POPs being released into the environment.

Sam Ahmadzadeh
BSc (Hons) Physics
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-ahmadzadeh-550583178/

Semefab operates 3 wafer fabs on a single site in Glenrothes, UK, across a broad technology base of MEMS sensors and CMOS & Linear IC's, Discrete semiconductor devices.

KTP Aim:

To embed novel microwave plasma based thin film deposition technology and capitalise on the rapidly growing demand for low-cost, high-performance temperature and gas measurement solutions.

Seric is an award winning cyber security, data management, and infrastructure consultancy and provider, based in in Scotland and covering the UK.

KTP Aim:

To develop an automated safeguarding platform to prevent misuse of collaborative platforms used within the education sector.

“KTP has been a perfect bridge in porting academic success and embedding it into industry. More should be done to extend these programs into greater collaboration between our universities and businesses.”
- Craig Devlin, Director of Services

KTP Impact:

• Increase in sales turnover expected over 3 years: > £5,000,000
• Increase in annual profit expected over 3 years: > £3,000,000
• Research and development total: £300,000

Notable Achievements:

• High impact journal paper and 2 tier-1 conference papers are published and one journal and one conference is in pipeline that is directly related to this projects
• Postgraduate project was proposed from this project and two more envisaged for the next year from this KTP
• Associate is pursuing PhD and have completed her MPhil to PhD transfer
• One case study on SERIC application will be developed namely SERIC-UWS Anti Bullying IR (ABIR) framework

Greig Oliver
MSc Advanced Thin Film Technologies
www.linkedin.com/in/greig-oliver-a58262b9/

Teer Coatings develops individual coating solutions for components and is also a leader in the building of coating machines. They specialise in Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) coatings and have one of the world’s most comprehensive coatings portfolios.

KTP Aim:

To embed optical coatings expertise, particularly in plasma assisted deposition, in order to develop a new range of optical coating machines and optical coating services (application of optical coatings onto customer parts and components by TCL).

Connor Speirs
BEng (Hons) Aircraft Engineering

More on Connor’s experience as a KTP Associate here.

Awarded the highest grade of "Outstanding" by the KTP Grading Panel for its achievement in meeting KTP's Objectives.

Sanondaf are infection prevention and control specialists providing disinfection and decontamination services across Hampshire, Dorset and West Sussex. Using advanced technology and a medical grade disinfectant they are licensed to kill at least 99.99% of over 280 harmful viruses, bacteria, fungi, mould, yeast and other microorganisms.

KTP Aim:

To embed engineering and microbiology expertise to facilitate the design, development, testing and launch of the next generation of microbial disinfection and decontamination technology.

“Our experience of the KTP scheme, working with UWS and the support on offer from Innovate UK, and in particular the KT Advisor, has been exceptional and we are on the cusp of rapid business expansion as a result. I would thoroughly recommend the programme to any ambitious business that is looking to innovate and embed new knowledge within their organisation. Having see what the model is capable of, we are already framing potential follow on KTP project with UWS.” - Stuart White, Founder and Director

KTP Impact:

• Increase in sales turnover expected over 3 years: £6,000,000
• Total plant and machinery investment: £250,000
• Total number of new staff: 80

Notable Achievements:

• Development of an operational combined prototype that has been tested/proven, refined and now has completed manufacturing drawings/BOM and illustrated parts catalogue ready for production
• The associate has also helped with the prototyping of additional advanced devices
• A rapid prototype standalone fogging device was also developed, manufactured/tested/ operationalised in response to the global pandemic.
• The associate developed a number of technical skills, including Multiphase CFD, Design for Manufacture, Conceptual and Detail design skills as well as project management and presentation and broader engineering confidence
• Associate is due to submit his MPhil, has completed Six-Sigma Yellow and Green belts, ANSYS FLUENT and Solidworks CAD training
• Associate has helped prepare a Multiphase CFD publication

Salaheddin Hosseinzadeh

Visual Management Systems provides complete solutions including engineering services, software and hardware to integrate the world’s largest and most complex physical security systems.

KTP Aim:

To embed advanced vision processing expertise, utilising emerging behavioural analysis research, to develop the next generation of automated surveillance system to enhance security & public safety.

Aboua Ange Kevin N’DA
PhD Computer Science
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aboua-ange-kevin-n-da-b68596100/

WellFish Diagnostics is the only laboratory in the world to offer fish specific clinical chemistry analysis and interpretation. This is enabled by altering high throughput clinical chemistry instruments and biomarker reactive ranges to make them fish specific.

KTP Aim:

To enhance digitisation and embed AI knowledge and expertise in support of improved fish health diagnostics and prognostics within the global aquaculture sector.

Andre Van
PhD Fish Immunology
www.linkedin.com/in/andre-v-34500b34/

Kames are a family farm for Steelhead Trout in the remote waters off the West Coast of Scotland since 1972. It is an area renowned for its Atlantic flow and mineral-rich currents; an outstanding oceanic habitat for the fish.

KTP Aim:

To develop in-house diagnostics and fish health assessment knowledge and capability in support of rapid business expansion.

“This KTP project has very clearly demonstrated the power of collaboration between business and a respected academic partner, allowing the rapid and seamless introduction of new technologies and ground-breaking R&D into a commercial operation with tangible impacts.” - Neil Manchester, Managing Director

KTP Impact:

• Increase in sales turnover expected over 3 years: > £2,000,000
• Total number of new staff: 4
• Total plant and machinery investment: £25,000

 Notable Achievements:

• Implementation of a new in-house fish health management programme based on the use of non-lethal health monitoring that enabled Kames to identify the causes of their primary health challenge, resulting in the development of a successful breeding programme to overcome this issue
• Helped the company become more efficient by increasing the percentage of fish that are viable after transfer to sea
• Direct and significant benefit to the cost of production while also improving the quality of their product