Knowledge transfer partnerships
Creating smarter products to stay one step ahead of the competition
Company
SE Controls
Expertise
Civil and Building Engineering
World-leading expertise from Loughborough University was injected into a dynamic programme of expansion at Lichfield-based company SE Controls.
SE Controls, a leading specialist in natural ventilation and smoke control, manufactures, installs and maintains smart, adaptive systems which control building environments.
Traditionally, the company had specialised in new build projects, with most of its business coming from the new build construction sector. Managing Director Will Perkins identified a new market with huge potential for the business – the refurbishment of existing commercial premises.
Will accessed Loughborough’s cutting-edge expertise to underpin the development of products and processes which equipped the company to enter this new market.
Will said: “This work will open the door to the refurbishment market for us. I am an advocate of the KTP scheme. It is a great tool for an SME business to buy in expertise at a reduced rate. We knew the costs going in and we predict that the return on investment will be excellent.’’
Impact
- SE Controls developed computer simulation tools enabling them to attract new clients in the commercial refurbishment market
- Expertise underpinned the development of new product which the company will take to market in 2011, giving it a unique advantage in the marketplace
- The MD predicts a direct effect on turnover within 12 months and a significant effect on turnover in 12 to 24 months