MTC research work recognised with top award 

EUROPEAN-leading research that will revolutionise the way companies communicate precision measurements to each other using cloud technology has been recognised with a top industry award.

The work, which was undertaken at the pioneering Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry, was presented at the global Large Volume Metrology Conference in Manchester.

The research programme, presented by MTC metrology team leader Dr Bin Cai, received the award for Best Presentation and Research.

The novel approach, which is derived from the MTC’s core research programme, will enable major manufacturers and their supply chain to communicate precise and detailed measurement information to each other using cloud technology. This will eliminate the current problem of inconsistencies of measurement information when it is shared between organisations.

The LVMC Conference is the only event in Europe dedicated to large volume 3D measurement technology and is attended by leading companies and research organisations from across the continent.

Dr Bin Cai said the work at the MTC would allow manufacturers and suppliers to exchange metrology information in a digitised and standardised way, with real-time feedback, improving accuracy and efficiency.

C&W Growth Hub launches new business group 

THE Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub has marked a major landmark with the launch of a new business group.

The Growth Hub Directors’ Club has been formed to allow owners and managers of companies, which have been helped by the Hub, to exchange good practice and to form business partnerships.

Around 20 firms attended the inaugural meeting – which came exactly a year after the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) first proposed the idea of the Hub to Government.

The last 12 months have seen the Growth Hub established and become fully operational in helping companies – especially in the advanced manufacturing and engineering sector – achieve their growth potential by providing a wide range of support on matters including skills, planning and access to finance.

Craig Humphrey, managing director of the Growth Hub and a member of the CWLEP pitch team, said the formation of the new group indicated how well the initiative has been embraced by business.

“To have moved from a proposal to an effective and fully operational service to business in just a year is a testament to the work done by all parties involved in the Growth Hub. The single unifying aim has been to help companies across Coventry and Warwickshire reach their potential by giving them a simple route to the help they need,” he said.

Coventry broadband firm speeds up own growth 

A COMPANY bringing ultra-fast broadband to businesses in Coventry is accelerating its own growth in the city.

CityFibre, the company delivering the gigabit speed Coventry CORE network, has taken on offices in the heart of the city centre.

The move into The Quadrant, Warwick Road, also accommodates two key additions to the Coventry CORE team as it gears up for the first connections to the network.

Chris Bryan has been appointed network planner and will be joined by Arran Payne in the role of project supervisor.

City development manager Andrew Starnes, who heads up the Coventry CORE team, said the move and the appointments were a significant step in the development of the network.

“We are putting down roots in the heart of the city centre and strengthening our team as we prepare for the Coventry CORE network to start gong live to the city’s business community,” he said.

“In their respective roles, Chris and Arran will take a lead on network development and new business installations, and the final preparations are being made for the first companies to be connected which is hugely exciting.” 

Events company builds on construction exhibition success  

THE UK’s biggest design and build event company has launched a new exhibitions package focused on the lifestyle and construction sectors.

Media 10 is bringing together the Build Show with the highly successful Grand Designs Live as part of its UK Construction Week event.

In addition to the headline events, a further seven dedicated events will accompany UK Construction Week when it is staged at the NEC between October 6 and 11, 2015.

Media 10 said the aim was to bring together the full spectrum of construction industry sectors under one roof.
 
The events firm said the Build Show already enjoyed great support from a significant range of exhibitors, associations and the trade media, while Grand Designs Live, with over 24,000 trade attendees, and the portfolio of other construction related events gave UK Construction Week the potential to attract 50,000 visitors.

Lee Newton, CEO, Media 10, said: “For the first time Media 10 is able to combine our experience and leading events to create the strongest trade event the building and construction industry has ever seen.”