Clive Durose wins KTP plaudits

STOKE-on-Trent wood turning firm Clive Durose has been awarded the highest grade for its Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with Staffordshire University.
KTP is a UK-wide programme funded by the Technology Strategy Board which aims to strengthen links between local business and knowledge centres such as universities. The aim is to improve innovation, competitiveness and productivity in a business through the employment of a high calibre graduate candidate on a subsidised basis.
In this case the candidate was Kenny MacFarlane – now business unit manager at the firm.
The ultimate goal of the KTP between Clive Durose and Staffordshire University was to implement a separate business unit, addressing the curved stair handrail market. The business unit formed – Precision Timber Handrails – is now a major player within this specialist sector and is predicted to contribute around 20% to Clive Durose’ overall turnover in 2012.
The KTP grading panel awarded Clive Durose the highest possible grade of “outstanding” in recognition of both the company and Kenny Macfarlane’s achievements.