Enterprise Solutions case studies

Through Enterprise Solutions, University of Plymouth supports business growth through consultancy. Here's a selection of real business success stories
Woman carrying a Red paddle board
Enterprise Solutions actively works with a wide range of individuals, businesses and community groups to help you achieve your professional goals. Find out more about some of the businesses we've helped, right here.

Industry Sector: Materials and Manufacturing 

Oakmount wanted to improve its ability to specify automation production equipment based on customer requirements more accurately and quickly at the tender stage, while integrating new technologies and Industry 4.0 solutions into the business.

The KTP aimed to develop a formalised methodology to deliver optimised smart automation solutions that integrate seamlessly with existing manufacturing systems for the SME sector. 

Solution: Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP)

Oakmount Control Systems Ltd

Bluefruit Software: developing a tool to manage medical device standard compliance for agile-style software development

Industry sector: Software development

Embedded software specialist, Bluefruit, was looking to expand its use of agile and lean software development for application in the medical device market. It needed to bridge the gap between agile and lean methodologies and compliance, which it has now achieved through a KTP with the University of Plymouth. 

Solution: Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP)

Trudy Ward KTP Bluefruit
Red Paddle photo

Red Paddle: Keeping ahead of the competition with a Knowledge Transfer Partnership – How an engineering graduate propelled a Devon business forward

Industry sector: Marine Engineering
As innovators in producing inflatable stand-up paddleboards (SUP) since 2008, Red Paddle Co.sought to improve their products and maintain their premium market status in the face of an increasing number of competitors.
The Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with the University of Plymouth introduced a talented graduate to the company for a ground-up approach to analysing, re-designing and optimising the key components of Red Paddle Co.’s products. The KTP has led to an enhanced design process and next-generation SUP product development, underpinned by academic knowledge and support with access to the University’s advanced testing facilities and equipment

Fine Tubes Ltd: a close look at working with the University

Industry sector: Manufacturing

Plymouth-based tubing manufacturer Fine Tubes Ltd employs 336 permanent members of staff, with the manufacturing side of the business based at its Plymouth site and sales offices in the UK, Germany, France and India.

The firm accessed funding to use the Electron Microscopy equipment at the University to compare materials and conduct compositional analysis of various products for comparison.

Solutions: Facility solutions

Fine Tubes
Langage Farm KTP Associate Anna Tatkiewicz

Langage Farm: KTP uncovers science behind dairy's range of products

Industry sector: Dairy Food Manufacturing 
Fast-growing Devon dairy business Langage Farm embraces innovation to increase its competitiveness and has linked up with University of Plymouth experts to help them uncover the science behind its branded range of products.
A collaboration with the University through its Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme will enable Langage Farm to address the cause and effect of production variations needed for enhanced quality, waste reduction and new product development across its range of more than 100 different ice creams, creams, cheeses and yogurts.

Spinnaker: powered up to protect Cash in Transit

Industry sector: Cash in Transit

Cornish based Spinnaker International Ltd has led the market for almost 30 years in producing security products for the Cash in Transit (CIT) industry for its worldwide customer base.

Spinnaker sought the assistance of University of Plymouth academic experts for help with the design and development of an enhanced wireless charging system that allowed for extended service interval times in markets that have an extended geographical reach.

Solution: Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP)

Enterprise solutions spinnaker team
Dr Zainab Dangana, receiving the award at the London Construction Awards 2016

Wates Group: innovative sustainable solutions brings environmental benefits

Industry sector: Building and construction
Wates Group has linked up with University of Plymouth experts on a two-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership collaboration and Dr Zainab Dangana, with a PhD in Construction Management from University of Plymouth, is using the findings of her research to implement sustainable technologies to support the delivery of low carbon buildings across the UK.
In her role as Sustainability Research and Development Manager for Wates Smartspace, part of the Wates Group, Zainab works with colleagues and customers to facilitate the selection of innovative solutions by organising 'Green Dragons' Den' style competitions.

Bombardier: designing the next generation of transportation


Industry sector: Transportation
Plymouth-based Bombardier Transportation undertook a KTP projectto develop and design the next generation train detection and signalling system. Working with a KTP associate and academic team from University of Plymouth, the project provided access to expertise to help tackle the innovative coding algorithms required to further develop the product.
The project was awarded the Best Business Impact Award at the national KTP Awards 2011, having secured 60 jobs and led to projected worldwide sales of £6m per annum.
Solution: Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP)
Electronics and robotics research - Jing Cai and Andy Millar, Engineering Design Manager, Bombardier Transportation.
KTP Associate Harriet Knowles, Falmouth Harbour Commissioners