30 July 2008
Bournemouth University Helps Local Company Take The Strain
Isle of Wight based company Strainstall Group Ltd have reported significant increases in turnover and savings thanks to the successful completion of a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with Bournemouth University (BU).
Strainstall Group Ltd, a world leader in load measurement, strain and stress determination, helps industries to operate safely by ensuring that structures, equipment and infrastructure is safe to use.
Academic support from BU’s Business Development expert, Keith Hayman, and skills from graduate placement Kelly Potter, have helped the company to develop and implement effective systems and procedures which support procurement and contracts.
One of the most successful outcomes from the KTP, an effective contract review mechanism, has helped to reduce Strainstall’s financial risk considerably by significantly cutting tendering response time. This has increased the company’s turnover and profitability and also improved their reputation.
With the help of government funding, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships place a graduate into a company to undertake a project of strategic importance lasting 18 to 36 months duration, and provide academic support from an appropriate University with the required specialist skills.
"This KTP proved to be very useful for Strainstall Group Ltd. The University was able to supply valuable knowledge and insight that helped us to shape our thoughts regarding risk management. As a result we now have systems in place which we can use to move our business forward with improved efficiency when tendering for work" stated Karen Lucas (Finance Director Strainstall Group Ltd).
"For me, this KTP was excellent as it combined theoretical support from the University, with practical applications from the Company. My knowledge and understanding of this area of work has greatly developed as a direct result, and I feel confident about my ability to offer real value to Strainstall Group Ltd." commented Kelly Potter (graduate recruited to deliver the project).
Notes to Editor:
- The accompanying image is of an LNG carrier which has been installed with one of Strainstall’s key products - the StressAlert system. This is used to constantly monitor the stresses that the hull is subjected to, which improves vessel safety by allowing the ship’s master to alter course and speed when necessary to reduce the stress levels.
- Strainstall Group Ltd manufactures load and stress measurement equipment for civil engineering, nuclear, aerospace and off-shore marine structures. Their client list includes: Nuclear power, British Aerospace, MOD, BP, Transco, Amerada Hess, London Underground, JCB, Thames Water, Bombardier, Cleveland Bridge, Samsung and Hyundai.
- Bournemouth University has over 20 years experience of running KTP programmes with over 70 local businesses. For further information please contact BU’s KTP Centre on 01202 965926 or visit www.bournemouth.ac.uk/s2b/KTP
ENDS
BournemouthUniversity is proud to be sponsoring the new Dorset Business Entrepreneur of the Year Awardhttp://www.bournemouth.ac.uk/s2b/news_pages/dorset_business_awards_2008.html
18 July 2008
Please contact the Bournemouth University Press Office:
Tel: (01202) 961421 Mob: (07870 808405) e-mail: press@bournemouth.ac.uk
