Businesses set for boost as Materials Processing Institute strengthens its SME Technology Centre
Leading innovation and research facility, the Materials Processing Institute, is strengthening its ties with SMEs after making a series of appointments to bolster its SME Technology Centre.
The Institute has appointed Paul Taylor as SME Programme Manager and Ian Swain as Funding Advisor to work alongside Dawn Huntrod, the SME Business Development Manager.
The SME Technology Centre provides open access technical and commercial support to businesses, from pre-starts to SMEs, across all sectors looking to develop, commercialise and improve technology.
Paul, who is a chartered engineer and possesses vast experience in business development roles within the public and private sectors, will manage the Institute's involvement in the Innovate Tees Valley programme and the Tees Valley Business Compass Start Up programme and manage the delivery of support to clients.
Ian, a former senior management executive at Trinity Mirror, will help support SMEs and start-ups access finance. Ian is also a Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) qualified accountant with more than 10 years' experience, who has previously worked in roles to support SMEs with their business strategies and planning.
Paul Taylor said: "There is a significant amount of support available to Tees Valley businesses and our aim is to use that resource to help enterprises maximise their growth. I am delighted to join the Materials Processing Institute, which is a well-respected organisation in the region. It has excellent R&D capabilities and is utilising its experience to support SMEs and start-up businesses within Tees Valley."Â
Ian Swain said: "These projects are designed to promote and support the growth of new and innovative businesses in Tees Valley and the Materials Processing Institute is contributing the skills, expertise and knowledge of its long-established R&D team to deliver projects for existing firms and start-ups.Â
"I am looking forward to joining the Institute and making these projects a success, while proving that the North East remains one of the most innovative regions in the UK."
The Materials Processing Institute is a Delivery Partner within the Innovate Tees Valley and the Tees Valley Business Compass Start Up programmes, both projects are part funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
Chris McDonald, CEO of the Materials Processing Institute, added: "Paul and Ian bring a wealth of experience and knowledge of working with and developing SMEs and start-ups, which will benefit our thriving SME Technology Centre immensely. I am looking forward to working with them as the Institute continues to offer support and deliver innovative solutions to a range of businesses and start ups in the Tees Valley as part of these ERDF programmes."
1 September 2017
