Heysham-based high value electech business Forsberg has recently announced the appointment of Lancaster University’s Nathan Daniels as a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Associate.

KTPs are government-backed schemes which help companies to accelerate innovation by connecting them to university expertise and facilities. They can also involve having a recently qualified graduate or postgraduate – such as Nathan – embedded into company to help drive a specific research project.

As part of the three-year KTP between Lancaster University and Forsberg, Nathan – a PhD student who has previously completed a BSc and MSc in Computer Science at the University – will work with Forsberg across several areas of R&D including AI-based navigation technologies, and global navigation satellite system (GNSS) resilience.

Once the KTP is completed, Nathan will return to the University to complete his studies.

Reaping the rewards of a long-term partnership

Forsberg and Lancaster’s KTP, which will be jointly funded by Innovate UK and Forsberg, symbolises the close relationship between the company’s Managing Director Chris Mayne and the University, which stretches back over 20 years.

Chris’ first encounter with Forsberg was when he undertook a placement with the firm in 2003 while still a Lancaster student. Soon after graduating, Forsberg offered Chris a project management role, which marked the beginning of a long and successful career with the business.

But in addition to appreciating the value of internships through his own personal experience, throughout his time at Forsberg Chris has continually looked to maximise the personal and professional benefits which working with a university like Lancaster can offer.

For example, in 2017 he enrolled in a Lancaster University Management School (LUMS) programme with an emphasis on workplace strategy. It had an immediate and positive impact on the company, as did a second course Chris took which focused on strategic leadership.

Chris also took part in a Lancaster-run Made Smarter scheme designed for SMEs in the advanced manufacturing sector. One output was the creation of a Digital Transformation Plan for Forsberg, which in turn led to them working with Lancaster on a specific intervention focused on improving efficiencies through more automation.

As a result, Forsberg were able to generate significant productivity gains across several areas of the business.

Tapping into academic expertise and student talent 

Forsberg has further partnered with the University’s Physics Department on a series of projects linked to specific industry challenges.

One outcome of this process has been Forsberg getting to work closely with Lancaster post-graduates – some of whom have gone on to become Forsberg employees – on real world business problems.

Such initiatives have also seen Forsberg working with Lancaster academics at the forefront of specialist disciplines, including AI, which helped pave the way for the Knowledge Transfer Partnership.

A mutually beneficial relationship

Chris, who is a member of the North West Business Leadership Team and a Director of the Electech Innovation Cluster, said:

“By developing strong links with Lancaster University, I have been introduced to new ways of working which I’ve gone on to apply to the business. Not only has this helped to give Forsberg a more competitive edge and boost our bottom line, it’s helped myself and my staff to develop both personally and professionally.

“In addition, we’ve had the opportunity to work with leading academics, and access world-class facilities and equipment, to help us address significant challenges which are impacting on our sector right now. And by having students and post-graduates on placement with us, some of which have gone on to become Forsberg staff, we’ve been able to tap into the fresh ideas and disruptive thinking we need to keep innovating.

“From my perspective, the KTP is a natural extension of the close relationship between the company and the University which goes back to my first student placement at Forsberg over twenty years ago. I’m therefore greatly looking forward to working with Nathan, and the wider KTP team at Lancaster, to explore new ideas and opportunities which will benefit both organisations.”

The power of partnership

Chris’ belief that working with a university is a two-way partnership is further evidenced by his role as an Entrepreneur in Residence (EiR) at Lancaster.

Featuring over 80 senior private sector representatives from around the world, Lancaster’s EiR cohort aims to breathe life into classrooms theories, contribute to academic research, mentor students, and involve students in their respective businesses.

Commenting on his position as an EiR, Chris said: “As a former Lancaster student it’s great that I get the chance to give something back to the institution which did so much for me at the start of my career. But also, as a passionate advocate for the electech sector, I’m proud that I’m able to support the next generation of tech entrepreneurs and engineers who are already changing the way we think about our industry and the wider world.”

Dr Mark Rushforth, Lancaster University’s Associate Director of Enterprise & Innovation, said of the University’s relationship with Forsberg: “Through a wide variety of programmes, Lancaster University works with hundreds of businesses – regionally, nationally and internationally – every year. And while many of these companies regularly re-engage with us to support them as they grow, some become genuine long-term partners.

“Forsberg is a fantastic example of how such a sustained relationship can bring benefits to both parties. From professional development and management courses through to bespoke programmes designed to address a specific industry issue, Forsberg has been able to utilise the University’s academic expertise and resources to help drive the company forward on several different fronts.

  “Simultaneously, our students and staff have had the opportunity to work with Chris and his team on the day-to-day challenges faced by an ambitious and innovative technology business, giving them invaluable insights and experience which feeds back into their own practice.

“And while the new Knowledge Transfer Partnership symbolises what can be achieved by businesses and universities working together, the fact our relationship with Chris began via a student placement two decades ago highlights how such partnerships can evolve from humble and modest beginnings.”                

For more information on how Lancaster and other universities can help local business, visit our Innovation Support guide here.

The Lancashire Digital Hub is also hosting an event on November 25th at the Strawberry Fields tech hub in Chorley focused on how universities can help companies.

This will cover a range of topics including student placements, joint research projects, business consultancy, and more. For details and registration, go here.