KTP projects

European Thermodynamics Ltd

European Thermodynamics Limited (ETL) provides high integrity thermal solutions and simulation services to customers who need solutions to manage temperature within electronic or mechanical systems. ETL work with companies across the globe to deliver state-of-the-art thermal management solutions in automotive, telecoms, aerospace, marine and medical sectors.

KTP Project (current)

This project aims to embed a capability and implement a prototyping facility to bring to market novel advanced heat pipes to optimise thermal management in a range of applications including electric vehicles.

ATC 

ATC Ltd is a contract medical device manufacturer, making precision critical, high accuracy devices and specialises in difficult-to-machine materials such as titanium.

Established in the 1950s with an aeronautical focus, ATC entered the medical device market in 1989, growing to become one of the UK's largest contract medical device manufacturers, focusing production on orthopaedics (e.g. hip/knee/spinal implant systems), neurosurgery instruments and anaesthetic delivery equipment.

KTP Project (current)

This project aims to innovate in computer aided design and manufacture of medical devices, enhancing productivity by linking simulations, automatic machining code generation and inspection to CAD models to significantly reduce machine setting times, facilitating rapid reaction to patient needs.

Guy Lord, Director at ATC Ltd.

Oset Bikes 

Oset Bikes is the world leader in the design and manufacture of electric trials and motocross motorcycles. They are proven in competitions, taking multiple national level victories against petrol powered machines. 

KTP project (current)

The project aims to embed a scientifically informed design process. This will involve the development of game changing electronic interfaces for the bikes, allowing riders to control the bike in novel and innovative ways to get the best out of their performance.

Find out more about Oset Bikes KTP project here.

Ceres Power

Ceres Power is a world-leading developer of fuel cell technology.

Used in decentralised energy products, Ceres Power’s steel cells enable homes and businesses to change how they generate power: reducing energy costs, Co2 emissions, and improving energy efficiency, security and reliability.

KTP project (2015)

Embedded thermal and fluid dynamics expertise to engineer solutions to optimise fuel cell module temperature control and thermal management.

Find out more about how Ceres Power have worked with us or read more about their KTP project in this case study.

Dr Farzad Barari, KTP Associate at Ceres Power.

Highview Power

Highview Power is working with commercial partners and end users to design multi-megawatt Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES) plants to store energy for utility and distributed power systems.

Highview’s system refrigerates air and stores it as a liquid. When the stored energy is needed, the liquid air is exposed to ambient temperatures causing rapid re-gasification and expansion which drives a turbine and generates electricity. 

KTP project (2017)

This programme optimised a key component of the liquid air energy storage plant, the high-grade cold, by undertaking geological material characterisation, empirical experimentation and modelling.

HiTek Power

HiTek Power is an experienced world leader in the design and manufacture of high voltage power supplies.

Specialising in custom power supplies, they provide solutions for a wide range of standard and custom OEM applications in market sectors including semi-conductors, printing, medical and scientific analysis.

KTP project (2016)

This project developed and implemented digital control to deliver next generation high voltage power supplies with optimised performance and reduced product size.

KTP provided a valuable opportunity to develop new products and we now have greater knowledge and more efficient procedures to bring new products to market.

Kalimex

Kalimex is a UK-based award-winning family business, established in 1994 selling automotive leak repair additives.

The company has grown over the years and now supply their own range of motor repair products through 2000 plus motor stockists and have a sister company, Solv-Tec in America.

KTP project (2015)

Developed a validated test-rig to demonstrate that K-Seal and associated products meet standards for cooling system leak repair additives.

Rivertrace Engineering

Rivertrace Engineering Ltd is a highly specialised company with over 30 years of experience of oil in water monitoring.

They are a market leader and at the forefront in designing new oil in water monitoring systems which go beyond legislative requirements.

KTP project (2015)

Developed and applied innovative imaging technologies to measure the oil content of water used in offshore drilling. You can read more about the Rivertrace project in this case study.

Applied Kilovolts

Sussex-based Applied Kilovolts specialises in high voltage power supplies and concentrates on modular power supplies.

It is the leading supplier of high stability, precision modules for the scientific instrument market in the UK, Europe and USA. 

KTP projects (2013)

• Developed techniques and equipment to measure very low noise levels and small changes in voltage over extended periods in HV power supplies.
• Designed high voltage power supplies based on a deep understanding of parameters affecting noise and drift.

AMA

Alonso Marshall Associates Ltd (AMA) provides professional services to the construction industry.

They have expertise in the design of mechanical, electrical and public health engineering services including designing integrated heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.

Much of their work involves reducing carbon emissions of buildings, working with architects to develop and implement solutions which reduce reliance on air conditioning.

KTP project (2013)

Developed thermodynamic modelling expertise to scientifically evaluate external blinds, providing data to demonstrate their impact on indoor environmental quality and energy utilisation.

PSM

PSM Instrumentation Ltd are marine specialists who design sensors, transmitters, systems and controls to measure level, pressure, flow, temperature and density. PSM developed a novel transducer prototype but lacked the expertise to develop interfaces and data communication systems to take a novel, low-power, product to market.

Their KTP project was considered to be so inspirational and successful that in 2015 it was shortlisted for a national award in Engineering Excellence.

KTP project (2015)

PSM’s Intelligent Ceramic Transmitter (iCT) prototype was overhauled - low-power and modular design philosophies were adopted to enhance the product’s robustness, maintainability and versatility and ensure compliance with marine sector requirements. You can read more about the PSM project in this case study.

Do Something Different 

Do Something Different (DSD) seek to make the world a better place by inspiring millions of people to do something different through behaviour change programmes.

Clients are sent personalised 'dos' which aim to take the individual out of their comfort zone, breaking the habits which prevent them reaching their full potential and developing behavioural flexibility.

KTP project (2018)

DSD have amassed a wealth of data from delivering programmes over five years – this programme will apply machine learning to optimise programmes, allowing the company to scale up their activities and reach into new markets.

 BCMY 

BCMY recycles mobile phones, printer ink and toner cartridges, collecting used goods from charity and business customers and selling empty and remanufactured goods to commercial and private clients for re-use on a contract or spot-purchasing basis.

BCMY, one of the UK’s largest independent cartridge collectors, also a member of the university’s Green Growth Platform, pride themselves on ensuring all printer consumables are either repaired and refilled for re use, or broken down into their raw material state and recycled into new products.

KTP project (2017)

This current KTP project will develop intelligent tools and systems to deliver scalable, real-time stock logistics and sales/purchasing solutions which will drive efficiency, profitability and sales to help the company grow.

Managing Director of BCMY, Simon Gilchrist

Colony101

Colony101 develops and supplies email marketing software, allowing clients to assess the success of email campaigns.

Colony101’s main product, Sentori, is provided on a software as a service (SaaS) basis.

KTP project (2016)

Embed visual language and open cloud-based software architecture expertise to facilitate the development of Cyclr, an automated life-cycle marketing campaign software product.

Cyclr team at Colony101

Family Law Partners 

Family Law Partners: Established in 2011, Family Law Partners (FLP) are a specialist firm dealing exclusively with Family Law. The Directors have extensive experience in family law issues and provide legal services to clients across Sussex and London. The company’s experience, expertise and commitment to client service is externally recognised by Resolution, Chambers UK, Legal 500 and the Law Society; they became the only specialist family law firm in Sussex to achieve a prestigious band 1 ranking in the first year of operation.

KTP Project (2019)

Family Law Partners see technology as having a pivotal role in the future delivery of family law services and the company had previously been shortlisted for a national award in ‘Innovation in IT’ for the development of their own triaging software. This innovative partnership seeks to embed knowledge engineering expertise to develop a rules based decision support system to underpin a novel model of family law provision.

Find out more about Family Law Partners KTP project here.

Alan Larkin, Director of Family Law Partners

GRB

The Graduate Recruitment Bureau (GRB) is recognised as the UK's leading, independent, graduate recruitment consultancy.

The company has helped or placed over 600,000 students and graduates with FTSE 250 and fast growing recruiters. 

KTP project (2016)

This project developed and embedded a technology solution to automate data capture for enhanced recruitment of graduates with experience. You can read more about the GRB project in this case study.

Dan Hawes, Co-Founder of the GRB

Travel Places

Travel Places provides travel booking and logistics services, specialising in major team sporting events around the world. Their clients include Formula1 and TeamGB.

KTP project (2016)

Embed an architecture recovery and consistency approach to re-engineer legacy software systems, developing a robust, flexible and scalable system to meet future client needs.

Crimtan

Crimson Tangerine (Crimtan) is a web advertisement broker who provide advertisers including Marks & Spencer, Santander and Sky with precise audience targeting, campaign optimisation and reporting.

They specialise in advanced data collection to facilitate behavioural profiling, and targeted real-time delivery using their proprietary platform, RAMP360.

KTP project (2014)

Developed innovative data mining and modelling techniques to enhance customer profiling rules in order to optimise web advertisement performance.

Maria Diapouli, Data Mining Manager (KTP Associate).

Posturite 

Posturite is the UK market leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of posture-improving workplace products, and the only company providing health and safety consultancy, training, software and products on a national basis.

The company’s share of the ‘curative’ ergonomic market in the UK is more than 60 per cent.

KTP project (2012)

Developed advanced web-based customer interfaces to increase e-commerce sales of ergonomic office furniture.

Building Sustainability 

Building Sustainability Ltd’s (BSL) core business is to assist organisations to save energy and reduce waste including electricity, gas, and water using their Workplace Footprint Tracker to monitor and identify energy wastage in real time, and engage building occupants in energy saving actions through competitions and digital signage.

KTP project (2016)

This KTP project developed configurable reference models to enable BSL to offer a novel service, namely a centralised CHP (combined heat and power) service bureau offering CHP operational efficiency optimisation and energy export services, initially tailored to the needs of public sector clients, but equally relevant to private sector CHP installations.

H+E UK

H+E UK Ltd designs, supplies, installs, services and maintains water and wastewater treatment plants across various sectors, specialising in designing systems which produce pure/ ultrapure water.

They have expertise and experience of designing and installing water treatment plants which utilise a wide range of technologies.

KTP project (2013)

Developed a market entry strategy to introduce proven waste-to-energy technologies into the UK market, addressing national waste reduction and energy targets.

The Guinness Partnership

The Guinness Partnership and its subsidiaries, is a large housing association which owns and manages nearly 60,000 homes throughout England, providing housing for people on low incomes.

The Guinness Trust aims to build neighbourhoods where people will choose to live, and to provide support to help residents achieve their aspirations.

KTP project (2013)

Developed an eco-retrofit capability, pilot by retro-fitting company offices to deliver environmental and financial benefits and optimise for future roll-out to the residential portfolio.

Dando Drilling

Dando Drilling design and assemble reliable and rugged drilling rigs for mineral exploration, waterwell drilling, geotechnical investigation and seismic exploration.

Dando export most of their products to the developing world and have twice been awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise (2000, 2003). They are the only UK company who manufacture drilling rigs.

KTP project (2014)

Improved the design and manufacture of mobile drilling rigs which are currently sold for water well and mineral exploration overseas but have potential UK applications including the installation of ground sourced heat pumps.

Find out more about how Dando Drilling have worked with us or read the Dando Drilling case study here.

Jugal Desai, KTP Associate with Gina Fitch-Roy from Dando Drilling.

Extech 

Extech is a Managed Services provider (MSP), delivering comprehensive, proactive IT services and solutions to small, medium and enterprise organisations to boost productivity and performance.

Extech’s success comes from taking the time to get to know customers’ businesses, enabling the delivery of a tailored, future-proofed range of professional IT services. 

KTP project (2019)

In order to become the go-to provider of IT service support, Extech needed to be able to access expertise on strategic business models which would cement their reputation and help them become the most trusted provider in this field. The project aims to create new skills and achieve cultural adjustments to create market pull.

Find out more about Extech's KTP project here. 

Plastica

Plastica is the UK's leading manufacturer and provider of swimming pools and accessories.

Running for over 40 years, it supplies products to the UK and Europe swimming pool trade.

KTP project (2015)

Increased profitability by developing and implementing a product design process to design an automated domestic swimming pool cover which meets markets needs, particularly health and safety legislation.

Northbrook College

Northbrook College is a Further Education (FE) college with around 4,000 students aged 14 and over.

Programmes range from apprenticeships, pre-entry courses to degree and postgraduate level. Further education learners funded via the LSC and higher education learners by HEFCE, with a small number of self-financing learners.

The college has a national reputation in areas including aeronautical and motor engineering, and performing arts.

KTP project (2013)

Optimised and documented business processes and key performance indicators to optimise operational performance and reduce running costs of the higher education institute.

SiteVisibility

SiteVisibility is an integrated digital marketing agency which runs the world’s most popular marketing podcast on iTunes: the Internet Marketing Podcast.

They also run Europe’s largest SEO conference, BrightonSEO, and have worked with clients including TopCashback, House of Fraser, Farrow & Ball, Hotels.com, Vax, BlueBay Hotels & Resorts and Cheapflights.

KTP project (2010)

Provided scalable, robust business systems and implement internationally recognised quality standards to help improve the company’s position in bidding for major contracts, mergers and acquisitions.

Mooncup

Mooncup sells reusable menstrual cups direct to the customer through attendance at events, via the web, and through outlets such as Boots.

This product has been very successful and is the European market-leading product of this type. Sales continue to grow year on year.

KTP project (2012)

Developed and embedded a new formal product development process into the business, from market analysis to product realisation, manufacture and delivery to market.

Sally Darbyshire, KTP Associate and Su Hardy, Director of Mooncup.

Plastipack

Plastipack is a specialist manufacturer of energy and resource-saving swimming pool and reservoir cover materials.

Materials are sold in roll form to fabricators who produce finished covers for commercial and domestic use.

KTP project (2012)

Developed a sound understanding of alternative markets and develop appropriate routes-to-market to enable growth of sales of swimming pool covers.

This was the third KTP Plastipack have had with the University of Brighton.

Previous KTPs evaluated the company's products and increased material knowledge; as well as developing new products and techniques of joining large polyethylene sheets.

Peter Adlington, Managing Director at Plastipack.

Ultrasafe

Ultrasafe designs and installs mains water based sprinkler systems, operating predominately in the South East.

Its systems work by using low volumes of water, and have an integrated alarm system. The company has achieved year on year growth since 2002.

KTP project (2012)

Developed scalable business management and product delivery support systems to promote business growth.

Jonathan Matthews, KTP Associate at Ultrasafe.

Parafix 

Parafix is the UK's leading convertor and distributor of self-adhesive materials from the world's leading manufacturers.

These include tapes, foams, films and foils. They have an extensive range of equipment that can supply products in slit rolls, sheets or die-cut forms to precise specifications.

KTP project (2012)

Established a focused market growth plan based on the company's core competencies and customer needs by sector.

Find out more about how Parafix have worked with us.

Louise Vincent, KTP Associate and Mike Punter, Managing Director at Parafix.

Class of their Own

Class of their Own is an OFSTED-approved provider of after-school clubs and holiday clubs. They currently run 13 after-school clubs and 5 holiday clubs in Brighton and Hove, making them the second largest provider in the UK.

KTP project (2016)

Develop and embed strategic business growth expertise, including evaluation and development of new services and evaluation of business models for geographical expansion.

Blond McIndoe Research Foundation  

The Blond McIndoe Research Foundation has a worldwide reputation for conducting medical research, with special expertise in cell biology applied to wound healing.

The foundation is co-located with the Queen Victoria Hospital, giving it unique access to human tissue and leading surgeons, and enabling it to conduct clinically relevant translational research to support plastic and reconstructive surgery.

KTP project (2013)

Developed a range of fundraising approaches to support expansion of the charity's wound-healing research programme.

Spring Barn Farm Park

Spring Barn Farm Park, is a leisure-based farm diversification.

The enterprise consists of a family animal park, cafe, event venue and campsite.

The farm park has indoor and outside play facilities and animals for children and families to engage with.

Visitors are educated about food and farming, providing school trip resources for different age groups, and linking with initiatives such as ‘Growing Schools’ and ‘Think Food and Farming’.

KTP project (2012)

Developed a rural retail brand and launch a retail outlet offering farm produce and other locally-produced products.

St Wilfrid’s Hospice

St Wilfrid’s Hospice Trading Company generates funds to support St Wilfrid’s Hospice by undertaking retail activities, a lottery and a construction and property project management consultancy.

The hospice offers care for adults with advanced progressive life limiting diseases. This includes a 24-hour specialist care in-patient unit, a day therapy unit with individual/ group treatment and therapy, and a ‘hospice at home’ service to a population of 230,000 living in Eastbourne, Pevensey, Seaford, Hailsham, Heathfield, Uckfield and surrounding villages.

KTP project (2014)

Developed and implemented a retail strategy, enabling the charity to expand their existing chain of charity shops, and launch e-commerce models.

Quorum Technologies

Quorum Technologies are market and technology leaders in electron microscopy coating and cryogenic sample preparation. Founded in 2001, the company has grown through acquisition and by proactively responding to industry requests and requirements for new instruments and techniques.

KTP Project (2020)

This project aims to develop novel processes for the application of ultra-thin coatings to samples for scanning electron microscopy, to facilitate entry into the lucrative Japanese market and extend the technology to other markets, replacing old technology.

Medisort 

Medisort collects, processes and disposes of healthcare waste in the Southeast of England, including single use instruments, sharps, medicinal waste and absorbent hygiene products from a range of customers.

Medisort aim to deliver a bespoke service to customers which maximises segregation, ensures full compliance, delivers cost reductions and reduces environmental impact.

Find out more about Medisort

KTP project (current)

By embedding specialist knowledge, this KTP will develop waste treatment and material recovery processes, enhancing segregation and recyclability of bulk offensive waste materials from the healthcare sector.

New processes will lead to the development of novel products which will be taken to market, along the principles of the circular economy, valorising this particular waste stream. 

Find out more about Medisort's KTP project

The Source 

The Source (Hastings) Ltd is a leading retailer in the BMX and skateboard market. In February 2016 Source opened a giant underground skatepark beneath Hastings beach and seafront, metres from the centre of town.

The Source Park combines an extensive underground retail store with a giant indoor skatepark, capable of hosting world-leading events in front of a huge 360 degree crowd on two levels.

KTP project (2018)

Source BMX opened The Source Park, Europe's largest indoor BMX and skatepark, in February 2016.  

This KTP will capitalise on this by developing the first formalised coaching framework for BMX freestyle, driving business to the skatepark and to Source's retail store and e-commerce site, and offering opportunities linked to the inclusion of BMX freestyle in the 2020 Olympics.

Find out more about The Source's KTP project here. 

GBE Ltd

GBE Ltd is an electronics consultancy that provides full support in product and prototype design, embedded systems and firmware designs, project management, and sub-contracted manufacturing services.

The company’s strengths include design of new products, design optimisation, full turn-key manufacturing, programming and service support / logistics, in partnership with a range of clients. They also supply obsolete components via various B2B forums.

KTP project (2012)

Designed diabetes monitoring equipment and gained regulatory approvals which enabled the product to be brought to market.

Alistair McInnes and Mark Bullen from GBE, Gary Mitchell (KTP Associate), and Tim Katz Principal Lecturer at the University of Brighton.

Nuffield Health

Nuffield Health is a registered charity who provide fitness, prevention and cure services for individual and corporate clients.

Revenue is generated via its 31 hospital, health assessments, physiotherapy, and membership of its 66 health clubs. It also has over 200 on-site corporate workplace fitness and wellbeing centres. 

Nuffield Health is the largest provider of physiotherapy outside the public sector, with Nuffield’s 465 employed and 2,500 plus third party contracted physiotherapists delivering in the region of 400,000 treatments each year.

KTP project (2013)

Developed a process to synthesise research findings and developed multi-disciplinary evidence-based guidelines for treating musculoskeletal disorders, together with a training framework and metrics to measure impact of guideline implementation on patient outcomes.