News: AEM Innovation Fund extended

The AEM Innovation Fund that supports research projects by companies in the advanced engineering and materials (AEM) sectors, has been extended.

The funding is part of the AEM Innovation Network delivered by NAMTEC (the National Metals Technology Centre) in Rotherham. The Innovation Network is aimed at advanced engineering and materials companies and agencies involved in research and development and provides access to well researched information and insights into emerging technologies and markets.

Launched in November 2010, the fund will be able to continue supporting companies in Yorkshire & Humber to undertake short term, high impact research and development (R&D) projects after a further £100,000 was approved.

The fund will provide up to 75% of the cost of total project costs for collaborative R&D projects up to £15,000 and experts at the University of Huddersfield, Sheffield Hallam University, NAMTEC and TWI will provide their support.

Projects must be completed by the end of September 2011.

The AEM Innovation Network is one of Yorkshire Forward's Innovation Networks which are part funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

AEM Yorkshire website

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News: NAMTEC celebrate success of engineering support programme

The National Metals Technology Centre (NAMTEC) in Rotherham is celebrating the success of a programme run in the Yorkshire region for the past four years designed to support the Advanced Engineering and Materials sector.

The £10m Advanced Engineering and Materials (AEM) Technology Capacity Building Programme, jointly funded by Yorkshire Forward and the private sector, has supported the development and application of new technologies to improve the capacity and performance of companies in the metals and engineering sector, throughout the region.

The programme delivered support to 245 businesses in the region and created or safeguarded 1591 jobs to date, resulting in over £126m in increased business sales. It has also supported events for companies across the whole of Yorkshire and Humber and offered over 750 learning opportunities for those companies supported.

The programme involved NAMTEC establishing four Capacity Building Centres (CBCs) to cover Surface Engineering, Design Modelling and Simulation, Rapid Manufacturing and Innovative Metals Processing technologies.

Stephen Butler, International Sales Development Manager for Chesterfield Special Cylinders in Sheffield, one of the companies which has benefited from NAMTEC's Design Modelling and Simulation Centre, said: "From our early involvement with NAMTEC and their advanced CAE software capabilities, we have underpinned £3m worth of sales orders, contributing significantly to the overall growth of the business since its relocation to Sheffield in June 2005.

"The CAE analysis performed by NAMTEC provided the opportunity to assess various cylinder designs against the customer's specification, allowing us to identify and implement new, "best-in-class" manufacturing practices."

Jim Farmery, Assistant Director for Business at Yorkshire Forward, added: "The advanced engineering and manufacturing sector is a priority sector for Yorkshire and Humber and our investment in the Technology Capacity Building Programme has meant that companies of all sizes can access the necessary support to grow and develop their business in this area.

"The Programme, with NAMTEC's valued support, has left a legacy of benefits that will keep on giving to the economy long after it has come to a close."

Dr Alan Partridge, Chief Executive of NAMTEC, responded: "We are proud of the results of this hugely successful programme and what it has delivered for this region's manufacturing businesses. The benefits delivered and the technologies developed during the programme will continue to be available from the programme partners for years to come, helping to ensure that the Yorkshire and Humber Region retains its rightful position at the forefront of advanced engineering and manufacturing."

NAMTEC website

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News: Rotherham biomedical supply chain conference

Companies in the advanced engineering and materials sectors are being invited to take part in a Biomedical Supply Chain Roadmapping event, which is planned to take place at Swinden House, Rotherham on March 9.

The free event has been organised by Advanced Engineering and Materials (AEM) Yorkshire's Innovation Network, and is open to both members and non members.

The conference will bring together delegates from a wide range of companies working in the biomedical sector to discuss current and future technology hotspots and the potential problems they create for suppliers. The aim is then to set up consortia of company representatives to address these issues and remove potential barriers to trading in this lucrative marketplace.

Keynote speakers include Dr Alan McLelland, Director of AEM Yorkshire and Dr Alan Smith, Managing Director of AZ-TECH. Dr Smith is an expert on nanotechnology and advises several governments on the subject. He has also facilitated more than 50 technology roadmaps in a variety of sectors for establishments around the world.

Dr Alan McLelland explains: "The AEM Innovation Network is a framework for businesses of all sizes to identify up-and-coming opportunities and to form collaborative working groups to develop mutually beneficial technology-based solutions.

"Through this event, we plan to establish what are the most pressing issues facing companies involved in the biomedical supply chain, or those who aim to join this market and then bring together industry experts to address these challenges."

Organised by NAMTEC in Rotherham, the Innovation Network is aimed at companies and agencies involved in research and development and covers the applications of metals, polymers, glasses and ceramics within a number of sectors, together with their supply chains.

AEM Yorkshire website

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News: The Future of Manufacturing in Rotherham

The National Metals Technology Centre (NAMTEC) are hosting an event next month providing a forward look at the future of manufacturing.

The rescheduled event provides a timely opportunity to brief Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing (AEM) companies and support organisations on the current status of Government policy in regard to both the establishment and development of Local Enterprise Partnerships and the Government's plans in support of UK manufacturing.

The Government has identified a number of priority areas critical to driving business growth in the UK. These include the support of Technology and Innovation Centres, and the development of Growth Hubs designed to drive economic growth by stimulating Innovation and Technology, supporting Leadership and skills, providing access to finance and supporting export growth.

The presentations on the day will provide an overview of Government policy, identify what support is currently available for companies, and give an insight into developments occurring in a number of key market sectors.

Speakers include Richard Wright, Chair of the Yorkshire and umber manufacturing Steering Group, Dave Rugg of Rolls-Royce and Martin Conelly of Tata Steel.

There will also be opportunities to network with key supply chain companies, Government representatives, business support agencies and technology providers.

The event takes place at NAMTEC, Swinden House, Rotherham on February 10.

NAMTEC website

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News: Advances in machining

AEM Yorkshire are hosting an event this month that will bring together some of the leading exponents in the field of machining in the advanced engineering and materials sector.

The AEM Yorkshire Network was established in January 2010 and is run by NAMTEC (National Metals Technology Centre) in Rotherham. The network is a membership body that is aimed at companies and agencies involved in research and development and provides access to well researched information and insights into emerging technologies and markets.

The event includes representatives from leading organisations such as BAE Systems, Messier Dowty and Rolls Royce discussing their activities and view of future machining technologies, and from leading machine and machine tools suppliers such as Mazak, Dormer Tools and Sandvik Coromant.

Representatives from the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) with Boeing in Rotherham will discuss the latest technical development and the assistance they can offer and representatives from the University of Huddersfield's Centre for Precision Technologies will cover the latest advances in machining accuracy and measurement.

The event takes place on January 27 at Mid Yorkshire Golf Club, Pontefract.

AEM Yorkshire website

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News: Fripp Design benefits from AEM network

A Rotherham industrial design company has seen huge benefits from membership of the AEM Yorkshire Network, which has contributed to a significant increase in business in 2010.

Based at the Advanced Manufacturing Park, Fripp Design has doubled its workforce and its turnover in the past 12 months, part of which it attributes to the excellent contacts the company has built up as a member of the AEM Yorkshire Network.

Tom Fripp, Design Director of Fripp Design said: "We are very optimistic about the future for manufacturers in the South Yorkshire region.

"AEM is a great network for companies that are involved in advanced manufacture and industrial/product design and we have found it to be very beneficial for making contacts and identifying market opportunities for our services."

The AEM Yorkshire Network was established in January 2010 and is run by NAMTEC (National Metals Technology Centre) in Rotherham. The network is a membership body that is aimed at companies and agencies involved in research and development and provides access to well researched information and insights into emerging technologies and markets.

Alan McLelland, Director of AEM Yorkshire, said: "The Network was launched to increase the competitiveness of Yorkshire and Humber businesses by helping them to identify opportunities for growth in current and new market sectors.

"We now have 500 member companies and over the past year, many have been able to benefit from making business connections, as well as accessing high quality information to facilitate growth. The Coalition Government has pledged its support for manufacturers and we look forward to continuing to promote UK manufacturing and ensure our members receive the support they need to prosper."

The AEM Yorkshire Network is part of a broader AEM programme, which also provides an opportunity for manufacturing businesses to benefit from support to undertake research and development, including help to secure funding and to access relevant training and skills enhancements.

The network runs an extensive events programme, which includes regular seminars on topical subjects directly relevant to its members.

AEM Network website
Fripp Design website

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News: Launch of the AEM Innovation Fund

The AEM Innovation Network has announced a new fund that will provide a new source of financial support to regional companies to undertake R&D.

Delivered by NAMTEC (the National Metals Technology Centre) in Rotherham, the Innovation Network is aimed at advanced engineering and materials companies and agencies involved in research and development and provides access to well researched information and insights into emerging technologies and markets.

Recent austerity measures have significantly curtailed support for R&D activities which has constrained many organisations especially within the SME community.

The AEM Innovation Fund will provide companies with up to 75% funding for suitable short term, high impact projects which lead to benefits in jobs and profits.

The fund will be formally launched at NAMTEC, Swinden House, Rotherham on Thursday November 25 with a detailed presentation of the funding process and of the support available from the network and the partner organisations.

Companies are encouraged to bring along their project ideas and make use of the opportunity to progress their funding applications with support from the Network team on the day.

The AEM Innovation Network is one of Yorkshire Forward's Innovation Networks which are part funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

NAMTEC website
AEM Yorkshire website

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News: AEM Innovation Network events in Rotherham

NAMTEC's AEM Innovation Network is hosting two manufacturing events in Rotherham in October.

The Innovation Network is aimed at companies and agencies involved in research and development and provides access to well researched information and insights into emerging technologies and markets.

In association with TWI Ltd, an event entitled Low Carbon Vehicle Technology, The Natural Way, will take place on October 12 at TWI's Technology Centre on the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham.

The event looks at the use of composite materials in low carbon vehicles. Advanced composites are light-weight, high performance materials. Their use to reduce weight in automotive, aerospace and other transport applications can deliver savings in running costs, and more significantly, carbon emissions, helping increase resource efficiency and drive our shift to low carbon vehicles.

Paul Burling, technical expert at TWI will provide an overview of natural composite materials and discuss the way composites are manufactured through the curing of natural fibres bonded together with bio resin and processed with less energy.

Workshops on the day will cover technical developments in composite manufacture, the manufacture of composites using natural fibre and resins, potential development areas and funding opportunities for R&D development.

The AEM Innovation Network are also hosting the Electroplating Hub Launch at Swinden House in Rotherham on October 26.

AEM Yorkshire is looking to work with the electroplating sector to help meet the new challenges of the current economic climate, increasing legislative pressure and a shift in manufacturing to countries such as China.

Electroplating is the deposition of a metal coating onto an object to give it a desired property such as wear resistance or protection from corrosion.

An introductory event will be held specifically for companies involved in electroplating and associated processes, with Alan McLelland, Director of AEM Yorkshire, describing the scheme and explaining how it can assist companies.

Dr Nick Farmilo from Sheffield Hallam University will also outline the various funding sources and grants available to companies for business development, consultancy, research and knowledge transfer. The half-day event will also include presentations from invited experts on topics relevant to the industry.

AEM Yorkshire website

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News: Upcoming Rotherham business events

A round up of business events taking place in Rotherham in the coming months.

The AEM Yorkshire intellectual property event is taking place at NAMTEC, Swinden House on September 16. This free event will help businesses to protect its IP assets and exploit them fully. Presentations by The Intellectual Property Office, Sheffield Central Library and local Patent Attorneys Franks and Co, plus the opportunity to network with fellow AEM Yorkshire members.

AEM website

Dearne Valley College Business Breakfast on September 30 at the Park Inn, Manvers. A free networking event including a talk from Jean Stewart of JS Developments on how we are sold environmental products and services and Joanne Wehrle will give a talk to show how to maximise the opportunities available from the Dearne Valley Eco-Vision and see how businesses can become part of the solution in reducing carbon emissions.

DVC website

E-Futures Autumn Conference. Carlton Park Hotel September 13 & 14. E-Futures students are engaging in interdisciplinary energy related research across 16 departments of the University of Sheffield, with the aim of accelerating the change to a sustainable energy future. The conference presents an ideal opportunity for businesses to engage with university R&D projects. Guest speakers will give talks on the challenges the scientific and industrial community faces in meeting a sustainable energy future.

E-Futures website

For more information on business events taking place in Rotherham see our Rotherham Business Events Calendar

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News: AEM Ambassadors offer insight into engineering

The AEM (Advanced Engineering Manufacturing) Ambassador Programme, run by NAMTEC (National Metals Technology Centre), based in Rotherham, is aiming to change the perceptions that local students have of the engineering industry.

The AEM Ambassador Programme is designed to inspire young people about the opportunities in the science, technology, engineering and manufacturing (STEM) sector.

Students at Ridgewood School – a Specialist Engineering School in Doncaster - were given a completely different take on the engineering industry when they were introduced to Sheffield-based JRI.

JRI manufactures orthopaedic implants, including hip and joint replacements, for the healthcare sector and was looking to build relationships with local schools and give young people a better insight into the specialist engineering sector.

In the first instance, Year 10, 11 and 12 students toured the firm's Chapeltown factory to find out more about specialist engineering for use in healthcare. Steve Earle, manufacturing manager, then spent a day back in the classroom, providing students with an in-depth insight into the role of an engineer and presented them with real life business problems that could form part of their Engineering studies. A number of other skilled engineers from JRI also provided one-to-one mentoring to students on the A2 Level course, as part of their final assignments.

Steve Earle, manufacturing manager at JRI, said: "Many young people have a negative view of engineering and think it involves working in a dirty factory with few opportunities.

"Our role was to help to change their perceptions and to show them what an exciting industry we work in and how many different opportunities there really are. We are always looking for dynamic, motivated young people who are enthusiastic about engineering, to join our team.

"There were definitely some students who showed real flair for our industry and it was very rewarding to see such enthusiasm and creativity from the students. We hope to work with the school on other projects of this kind in the future."

Anna Brookfield from Ridgewood School added: "It was important that we worked with an engineering business where our students could actually understand clearly what they made and how these components were used in everyday life - JRI fitted this brief perfectly."

Kirsten Shaw from NAMTEC, said: "The AEM Ambassador Programme is a great way for young people to work with businesses and to gain a genuine insight into the challenges and opportunities in this sector.

"We advise any other companies who may be interested in building links with young people to get in touch and we can organise their involvement with the programme."

AEM Yorkshire
NAMTEC website

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News: Businesses get together to tackle carbon emissions issue in Rotherham

Over 40 businesses involved with the advanced engineering and materials (AEM) sectors attended the second AEM Innovation Network event held at NAMTEC (the National Metal Technology Centre) in Rotherham recently.

The event looked at the ways that industry can work together to encourage innovation in low carbon vehicle technologies.

The main theme was to focus on how to access the £19m of Government funding that is available for suppliers into the automotive industry, as part of producing vehicles with lower carbon emissions.

Speakers at the event included Tim O'Brien from the TSB (Technology Systems Board), Colin Johnston from Materials KTN and Alan McLelland, AEM Director from NAMTEC.

Alan McLelland from NAMTEC said: "There are many businesses in this region that are involved with the supply chain to the automotive industry and it is therefore vital that they can collaborate, in order to take advantage of the opportunities that this presents.

"The next generation of vehicles need to consume less energy to manufacture and also less emissions to run. With the Government looking to award funding in the next few months for development projects in this area, the event was designed to give this region's manufacturers the opportunity to collaborate and put forward proposals to help develop vehicle technologies that will play a vital role in the future of the motor industry."

The AEM Innovation Network provides an opportunity for manufacturing businesses to benefit from research and development and to secure funding for this from organisations such as Business Link, the Technology Strategy Board and the European Regional Development Fund.

The next innovation event will be held during April and will be a workshop focused on the Modern Built Environment.

AEM Yorkshire website
Rotherham

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News: Innovation Network launches in Rotherham

Over 100 delegates from Yorkshire businesses involved in the advanced engineering and materials (AEM) sectors attended the launch event for the new AEM Innovation Network, which was held recently at the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham.

The hugely successful event, was organised by NAMTEC (the National Metals Technology Centre) as part of Yorkshire Forward's Innovation Networks which is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

The focus of the event was on two key sectors: low carbon vehicles and the modern built environment. Speakers included Mark White from Jaguar Land Rover and Will Barton from the Technology Strategy Board.

Alan McLelland, AEM Director at NAMTEC, said: "This was a very successful launch event and we hope it will become the first of many events we hold on topical subjects that are relevant to this region's manufacturing businesses. The seminar showed how businesses can take advantage of the huge opportunities to develop products and services that meet the needs for lower carbon vehicles and buildings."

The Innovation Network will help companies to identify and respond to future business challenges and opportunities via a range of "future proofing" activities.

The network is aimed at companies and agencies involved in research and development and will cover the applications of metals, polymers, glasses and ceramics within a number of sectors, together with their supply chains.

Jim Farmery, Assistant Director of Business at Yorkshire Forward added: "The AEM Innovation Network provides an opportunity for manufacturing businesses to benefit from research and development and to secure funding for this from organisations such as Business Link, the Technology Strategy Board and the European Regional Development Fund."

AEM Yorkshire website
Rotherham

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