Interface has business solutions
DO YOU want to create or develop a new product, service or process to take your business forward, but need help to overcome some of the technicalities?
If so, Interface could help you. Interface connects businesses and organisations to Scottish universities, research institutions and colleges that can best provide the knowledge firms need.
This free service started in Scotland in 2005 and is designed to save businesses time and money. It has already helped hundreds of organisations across all sectors, including tourism, creative industries, energy and food and drink.
Lorraine Thomson, who heads Interface’s Highlands and Islands team, said: ‘We have worked with many businesses and organisations across the region and the feedback has been positive about their experiences of partnering academics. We would love to help more local businesses meet their goals in this way.’
Among the businesses Lorraine and the team have supported are Craine Communications, Johnnie Mac’s Oysters, Zing Organics and Staffin Community Trust.
Lorraine explained: ‘People sometimes think of research and development as being just for large corporates, but we have matched micro businesses to academic expertise many times with really positive results.’
From kitchen table enterprises to family run companies, academics are seeking many businesses as partners. Business can access specialist facilities such as 3D printers, microscopy, human performance labs, wave tanks, virtual reality and textile printing.
The Interface team will establish your needs and prepare a brief which will be shared among the appropriate departments within universities.
Visit www.interface-online.org.uk/obantimes, or Lorraine.thomson@interface-online.org.uk, 01463 245263 (Argyll and the Isles) or Carol-Ann. Adams@interface- online.org.uk 01463 245262 (Lochaber and Skye).