CLICK HERE FOR WELSH

Following the breakfast launch event, at the Village hotel, Swansea, one business, ASAHI Photoproducts Ltd, welcomed the opportunity to join Knowledge Exchange Wales (KEW).   Mr David Galton, managing director for the company, who spoke at the event (pictured below, left), said:

“ASAHI has developed a relationship with Swansea University over a period of 15 years – which speaks for itself in that this particular customer has been happy, and wished to place more business with the University.

“With the effects of the global recession, there is a need to improve productivity, adopt new materials, and reduce environmental impact. This can only be achieved by the appliance of science. The Welsh Centre of Printing and Coating based at Swansea University, who we have worked with extensively, is unique – they have an excellent reputation for the development of relevant underpinning science, and being prepared to transfer that into industry. This has benefited us greatly. The benefits of these contacts and collaborations are priceless.”

“Knowledge Exchange Wales will address an issue that I have been aware of throughout ASAHI’s relationship with the University – their scientific research and technology transfer skills are outstanding, but they keep their light hidden under a bushel. Maybe through KEW and Global CONNECT, the universities involved will make a global impact.”

KEW is the first and only Welsh business network to be a member of the internationally renowned Global CONNECT world-wide business innovation and investment network, and the first to unite north and south Wales, with the aim of putting Welsh industry and academia on the map.

Ceri Jones, Deputy Director of the Department of Research and Innovation in Swansea University (pictured below right), spearheaded the network, he said:

“KEW will strive to unite academics and businesses and organisations in Wales, boosting the local economy and allowing Wales to trade on a global scale.

“We know that we have the skills in the two universities to help businesses develop, progress, and compete globally, and we want to grow the Welsh economy.

“Our aims are high.  We hope that KEW will become the biggest business network in Wales”.

The partnership between Swansea University and Bangor University is strong, and ensures a comprehensive package of skills and expertise will be offered to business, pan Wales. A fact the Welsh Assembly Government’s Academic Expertise for Business team noted before awarding the funding to the project.

Lesley Griffiths, Deputy Minister for Science, Innovation and Skills, said the network would encourage greater collaborative working between industry and academia.

“The benefits will be twofold. It will enable academics to better understand the needs of industry while helping industry to recognise the expertise available that can make a real difference to businesses enabling them to grow and compete successfully in a global market place.”

Swansea University and Bangor University together have many of the key expertise needed by businesses, and have impressive track records of collaboration with industry. The KEW network is open to all businesses with an interest in developing their business and learning more about what universities offer business.

A programme of KEW events lined up over the next year is available on www.kewales.com.