Leeds-China water research partnership backed by University programme

ENVIRONMENTAL and agricultural consultants ADAS has secured an international research partnership deal as part of a £5.1m China Catalyst Programme.

ADAS, based in Thorpe Park, Leeds, is to work with Wissea Electronic Technology after it became one of eight UK companies to sign a partnership agreement with a Chinese company.

Its project will design and test water surveillance network mechanisms based on Internet of Things techniques to ensure the optimal health and safety of all naturally occurring water systems.

It is part of Lancaster University’s Lancaster China Catalyst Programme which aims to create 240 jobs, help 400 businesses and boost the UK economy by £40m.

Nick Burd, director of the Lancaster China Catalyst Programme, said: “These agreements are a strong signal of commitment between these Chinese and UK businesses to work together on innovative international partnerships that will boost growth, jobs and wealth here in the UK and in China.

“These agreements are just the first cohort of what will be more than 60 partnerships forged through the Lancaster China Catalyst programme and we are currently seeking more businesses to join the programme.”

The signing ceremony was attended by the Consulate of the People’s Republic of China in Manchester.

Haicheng Zhou, vice Counsul-General said: “That so many partnerships have been set up shows how successful this programme is. At the moment the relations between our two countries has grown closer. Chinese investments and trade with the UK is the highest in Europe.

“This achievement cannot be done without the joint efforts of businesses and universities of both countries. I also hope that more enterprises get involved in this programme.”