Two University KTPs receive outstanding rating from Innovate UK
Partnerships between University of Huddersfield academics and two local firms have been graded outstanding by Innovate UK.
The UK’s innovation agency has determined that the Knowledge Transfer Partnerships – with Birstall-based Essential Healthcare Solutions and Huddersfield-based Associated Utility Supplies – have exceeded expectations across all key areas, including innovation, collaboration, impact, and delivery.
It represents the top recognition awarded by Innovate UK, reflecting exceptional achievements in embedding new knowledge, driving business growth, and creating lasting impact.
Essential Healthcare Solutions - a medical device manufacturer specialising in advanced pressure area care technology
The partnership was set up to establish a robust measurement methodology that could be used to evaluate the function and performance of mattresses used in pressure ulcer reduction and care.
This work places both the company and the University at the forefront of technological development in the healthcare mattress arena, using simulation as a tool for new product development.
The project involved work to establish the process for reclassification for one of the company’s lines of mattresses in line with new Government policy on medical devices, which also ensures that Essential is maximising its potential for market share in the UK.
The University’s expertise in metrology and tissue viability was central to the success of the KTP with Professor Leigh Fleming, Acting Dean of the School of Computing and Engineering, the main KTP supervisor, alongside Emeritus Professor Karen Ousey, the now former director of the University’s Institute of Skin Integrity and Infection Prevention, as the KTP support supervisor.
Professor Fleming commented: “Working with a progressive company like Essential to standardise evaluation of mattresses has contributed to pressure care and will ultimately have an impact on the quality of life for patients, but also the information and tools available for clinicians for decision making.”
Associated Utility Supplies - a specialist supplier to the electrical supply, telecommunications and rail industries
The project aimed to drive strategic and cultural change at the company through creating customised Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and bringing digital autonomy to its business processes.
This would, in turn, optimise productivity and effectiveness through better connectivity and integration around a range of business processes, creating more efficient routes to market for products and services. To help facilitate this change, the project team drew upon the expertise of Dr Jim Bamford, previously of Huddersfield Business School, as academic supervisor.
Towards the end of the project, the company was acquired by US firm Osmose Utilities Service Inc.
Professor Simon Barrans in the University’s Department of Engineering was the lead academic on the project. He commented: “Having partnered with AUS for almost a decade, I have seen it grow exponentially. This third KTP project with the company was essential to allow resource planning within the company to keep pace with this growth.”
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships are government-funded programmes aimed at helping UK businesses improve competitiveness, productivity and performance. They are match-funded through Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, and are a fantastic opportunity for businesses to access academic expertise, drive innovation, and achieve lasting impact.
The programme involves a collaboration between an organisation, a university and a graduate associate who is funded for the duration of the project.