In Brief: OptiBiotix; CE:AME; Romero

YORK’S OptiBiotix Health, a life sciences business developing compounds to tackle obesity, high cholesterol and diabetes, has entered into a 50/50 joint venture agreement with NIP B.V – a wholly owned undertaking of NIZO Food Research BV.
 
OptiBiotix incorporated its weight management formulation into fruit yoghurts which were manufactured by NIZO.  An organoleptic (tasting) panel reported the yoghurt products had a smooth feel and taste and had the appearance of conventional yoghurts. These results have led to this JV agreement which has been established to develop, manufacture and distribute (both directly and indirectly) the weight management yoghurt and other dairy products to global markets.

NIZO provides manufacturing expertise, industry credibility and a global network of contacts in the dairy industry. This agreement will allow OptiBiotix to fast-track entry into global markets. Both companies are contributing background intellectual property (IP), with any new IP jointly owned.
 
This JV agreement creates an opportunity to access global markets to commercialise the weight management formulation in yoghurt and other dairy products.

Stephen O’Hara, CEO of OptiBiotix, said: “Our weight management formulation has been especially created by industry experts to enhance satiation (feeling of fullness), increase metabolism and reduce energy harvest (calorie intake). Successful manufacturing and tasting studies of our weight management formulation in yoghurts, coupled with early commercial interest and NIZO’s industry credibility, has allowed us to advance this opportunity earlier than expected. This announcement is consistent with OptiBiotix’s strategy of creating technology platforms which create multiple product and partnering opportunities and is the start of a process to build a strong and sustainable business.”

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A NEW engineering training centre is opening its doors in Keighley this week.
 
The Centre of Excellence for Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering (Creative & Digital Technologies), known as CE:AME, aims to develop a skilled workforce of young people to help a rapidly expanding local engineering and manufacturing base, and meet the increasing demand for a highly competitive workforce.
Engineering has been made a key priority by the current Government, and 13% of jobs in the Bradford area in manufacturing and engineering, with the number in the sector continuing to grow.
 
Leeds City College’s Keighley Campus in partnership with Bradford City Council and Oakbank School officially launches the ICE tomorrow, based in its college campus, in Bradford Road. 
 
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A YORKSHIRE insurance firm has won the title of Commercial Insurance Broker of the Year at the Insurance Times Awards.

Established in 1997, Romero Insurance Brokers works in a number of sectors including construction, manufacturing, retail/wholesale, leisure, chemicals and technology.

It has recently moved to new headquarters at Airport West in Yeadon, Leeds and as it grows, aims to win new business in the North of England supported by its four regional offices.

This accolade is the most prestigious award a commercial insurance broker can win, according to Romero.

Managing director, Simon Mabb, said: “A big reason for this success if the quality of individuals that make up our team.  The professionalism, drive and never say die attitude underlined by good old fashion graft is what makes us a success and this has been recognised at the highest level within our industry.  It was a very proud moment to accept the award on behalf of the whole Romero team.”