3M pioneers in line for award
THE University of Huddersfield and the 3M Buckley Innovation Centre have been shortlisted for a national technology award.
The nomination is in recognition of an investment in technology that has allowed small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) across the region to access advanced technologies to aid business growth and product development.
The National Technology Awards celebrate the pioneers of new technology and help drive standards and encourage excellence. Shortlisted for the Technology Investment category, the entry focuses on the University of Huddersfield’s technology investment made through the Huddersfield Innovation and Incubation Project (HIIP).
This was made possible with £2.9m funding from the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP), delivered by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, through the Leeds City Region Growth Deal – a £1bn package of government investment to accelerate growth and create jobs across Leeds City Region.
The HIIP has allowed the University of Huddersfield to purchase a range of transformational technologies to assist regional businesses to assess, adopt and use them to develop new and improved products, increase productivity and growth, all managed through the 3M BIC.
The 3M BIC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the University of Huddersfield, designed for businesses to innovate, collaborate, and facilitate local and regional regeneration.
It acts as a gateway to the university’s research centres, supporting business to academia collaborations, and directly impacts the growth of tenants, network members and wider regional economy.
New equipment at the 3M BIC ranges from scanning and design tools; additive manufacture (AM) in polymers and metals; inspection equipment, including x-ray; virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR), and eye tracking capabilities, all of which would usually be out of reach for small to medium enterprises. In the coming months, businesses will also be able to access training initiatives to upskill existing staff or new recruits in additive manufacturing.
Michael Wilson, centre manager at the 3M BIC and director of the HIIP, said: “Emerging technologies and competition are putting increased pressure on businesses of all sizes to innovate and diversify.
“This is having a detrimental effect on SMEs and micro businesses that are struggling to keep up with their bigger counterparts. They are needing to react quicker to marketplace challenges and innovate.
“We spotted a need for businesses, specifically SMEs, to access and adopt transformational technologies essential for the growth of the UK’s manufacturing sector and to drive forward the Northern Powerhouse.
“Through the HIIP, SMEs in the region are being given the opportunity to invest in research and development and exploit innovation through technology that would usually be out of reach, as well as the chance to compete with larger companies.”
Roger Marsh OBE, chairman of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP), said: “I am delighted the LEP is supporting local small and medium sized enterprises through the University of Huddersfield and the 3M Buckley Innovation Centre, enabling access to a range of innovative technologies.
“We want businesses across West Yorkshire to be able to compete with national counterparts, creating more and better jobs for local people so our region is recognised globally as a strong, successful economy.”
The National Technology Awards ceremony will take place on May 16 at the London Marriott Hotel. LOCAL businessman has been appointed as the new chairman of Brighouse Town Football Club.
James Howard, founder and managing director of Brighousebased payment technology company Yorkshire Payments, will assume the role from the start of June.
Mr Howard will take over from current chairman Charles Tolley, who will move to the role of vice chairman at the end of May.
Yorkshire Payments is currently the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Division One East club’s main sponsor.
Speaking of his appointment as chairman, Mr Howard said: “I am delighted to take over from Charles Tolley, who will continue as vice chairman, to spearhead the growth and direction of a club that is very close to my heart.
“Yorkshire Payments is based in the heart of Brighouse and operates throughout the town and its surrounding areas and is heavily involved with the club as its main sponsor. Assuming the role of chairman is a natural next step, and I am committed to growing and developing the club in the coming months.”
Mr Howard explained that a strategy to attract new sponsors and develop commercial opportunities to fund the development of the club is a priority.
He added: “Yorkshire Payments maintains excellent relationships with other sports organisations across the region. I am confident that my vast experience developing opportunities with sports organisations will be of significant benefit to Brighouse Town FC, and I very much look forward to helping take the club to the next level in terms of investment and ongoing opportunities.”
Charles Tolley, vice-chairman at Brighouse Town FC, said: “James and I have been discussing the possibilities of him becoming more involved with the football club over the last year or so and I am delighted that he has now decided that it is the right time for him to come on board.
“He will spearhead the onward and upward progress of the club. On the playing front, we have had a great season and the building blocks are in place for this to continue.
“Getting the infrastructure right off the field alongside the on-field success is crucial, and James will play a pivotal role in the improvements to be made in this area. His commitment to Brighouse as whole is apparent and he will bring the same drive and enthusiasm to the role of chairman.
“We all believe this is an exciting new opportunity for the ongoing success of the football club and very happy to have James leading us forward.”