Improving the Competitiveness of SMEs

ERDF Objective 2 Project “Transferring Technological Assets to SMEs”

As part of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Programme 2000-2006, CPI is providing extensive support to SMEs working in the Chemical and Process Industries. A team of experienced scientists and engineers is dedicated to this project, providing 1:1 support on much the same principle as the family doctor:

Diagnose
Help the SME to identify areas for performance improvement and growth

Define
Work with them to produce an action plan

Dispense
Provide direct assistance or introduce potential partners / service providers

Develop
Maintain regular contact throughout the project

Deliver
Evaluate and confirm success

SME Forum

ERDF Objective 2 Project “Transferring Technological Assets to SMEs”

As part of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Programme 2000-2006, CPI is providing extensive support to SMEs working in the Chemical and Process Industries.

CPI has recognised that few SMEs have the benefit of the extensive network of personal contacts enjoyed by employees and managers of larger companies. CPI’s solution has been to establish the SME Forum – a regular round table event specifically focussed on the needs of SMEs - at which they also have the opportunity to network with other companies in the chemical and process industry.

Each event has a theme of special relevance to SMEs, usually identified by feedback from previous attendees at the forums. Three or more speakers are invited to provide key information on each subject, and to answer any questions arising. The Forum has now developed to such an extent that the subsequent networking sessions can last an hour or more, and often lead to the formation of ad hoc partnerships and “deals”.

Recent subjects include:

·        REACH and its impact on SMEs

·        Project Management

·        Intellectual Property – Patents, Trade Marks & Registered Designs

·        Grants and Funding

·        Leadership

·        Employment Legislation

·        Legal & Insurance Issues

·        Managing Waste and the Environment (16 Sep 2004)

Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals

CPI's newest round table was formed in responses to the concerns raised by chemical and process industry companies following publication of the Chemicals White Paper in 2001, which paced the way for the EU REACH legislation.

The legislation, which will come into force across the EU within the next 2-3 years requires all chemicals produced at more than 1 ton per annum to be formally registered.  This registration process will necessitate a full testing programme, possibly including ecotoxicology testing, and has been estimated to cost between Ł30K and Ł80K for a typical chemical currently on sale in the EU.

The first event set the scene, with speakers from CBI, Tees Valley Joint Strategy Unit and Covance Laboratories.  The attendees were asked to identify their specific areas of concern, so that these could be covered in more detail in future events.

The second event expanded the theme of Intermediates & Waste Streams, with a presentation from Uniquema on "Intermediates", from ICI Measurement Science Group on "Analytical Testing Challenges - Complying with REACH", and from Covance on "Testing Strategies for chemicals in aquatic toxicology".

The third event concentrated on the implications of Data Sharing and Consortia in REACH with a presentation on Data Sharing and Collaborative Testing from Prof. John Solbe, former head of Unilever's Environmental Group.  Peter Frier of LGC (the Laboratory of the Government Chemist) explained plans for a UK REACH Advice Centre to support the Chemical and Process Industry.  Morven Hadden of Simmons and Simmons (Brussels Office) covered the legal implications of EU Competition Legislation for companies considering forming or joining data sharing consortia.

REACH Substitution and OSOR (One Substance, One Registration)

The fourth event will take place on 16th May 2005 at the Samsung Conference Centre, Wynyard (just off the A19/A168 junction, 2 miles north of Billingham)

Please contact Louise Barker on 01642 447 275 for further details.

Case Studies 

Geneve International Ltd

Geneve International Ltd has an innovative range of body care products based on Dead Sea salt crystals. CPI identified a tube-filling machine earlier this year that could be adapted to pack the highly abrasive product and this was commissioned in mid June. CPI has also assisted the company with a series of IT network problems, including recommending an IT support organisation to provide them with long-term protection against viruses and data loss by instituting a regular disciplined backup process.

CPI identified a second-hand tube-filling machine that could be adapted to pack the highly abrasive product, allowing them to increase production dramatically.

VariText Ltd

VariText Ltd needed a self-contained easily transportable power source for their variable information signs. CPI worked with them to develop a hydrogen-powered fuel cell which could be integrated with the sign, and proptotype are now installed and operating at the Middlesbrough entrance to the famous Tees Transporter Bridge and on the main access road to the Wilton International site.

Other

A major plastics manufacturing company sought CPI’s help to evaluate and then capitalise upon its intellectual property rights, including several well-established international patents and trade marks.

CPI has given advice and support to a number of companies wishing to establish chemical and process design and production facilities in the North East, providing information on premises, grant and loan funding, and recruitment of skilled personnel in the region.