More effective ways of working are on the way for a successful Scots company following a £100,000 link up with the University of Aberdeen’s Business School.
The institution has been given a Government grant of £67,704 which is helping to fund the collaboration between it and Lofthus Signs & Engraving Ltd, which has bases in Aberdeen and Edinburgh. The money has come from the Department of Trade and Industry’s Knowledge Transfer Partnership scheme which brings industry and research institutions together for their mutual benefit.
Lofthus is one of the largest industrial engravers in Scotland and also produces a wide range of signs, banners, nameplates, logos and plaques for retail, academic and commercial sectors. The company is also contributing an additional £32,440 towards the venture which aims to improve the company’s operational effectiveness.
Research associate Fraser Osborne is the main link between the University and Lofthus and is based at the company’s Aberdeen office. He said: “The object of the project is to improve the profitability of the business through reviewing and replacing its processes and procedures in areas such as delivery timescale, material consumption and the progression of jobs through production.”
Michael Williamson, Managing Director of Lofthus, said: “This association with the University has given Lofthus the opportunity to blend academia with the business world – it’s an excellent example of joined up working by town and gown.
“The partnership will allow us to develop certain skills faster than normal and enhance the effectiveness of our market capabilities.”
The University's Professor Jeff Hyman, who together with his colleague Dr Sarah Jack provides the academic input into the project, added: "The partnership gives us a broader understanding of the issues faced by enterprises operating in the North East.
'In return, Dr Jack is a specialist in entrepreneurship and SME management, while my research interests are teamworking, employee participation and work-life balance. Our combined services can offer valuable insights to SMEs trying to enhance the performance of their companies.”
The funding pays for a two year partnership.