Launch of Welsh Composites Consortium

The Welsh Composites Consortium (WCC) has been formed from Welsh Academic Institutions, Industrial Fora and Advisory Groups to collaborate with Welsh SMEs in the sharing of knowledge, skills and best practice in the use of composite materials. The WCC is supported by the Welsh Assembly Government’s Knowledge Exploitation Fund and by the European Social Fund under Objective One.

On the 7th of June 2007 the WCC was launched at the prestigious School of Engineering at Swansea University (SU). The launch was opened with inspirational speeches on “Third Mission activities across the Welsh HE sector” and “An outline of collaborations between SU and other Welsh institutions and industry” from Professor Richard Davies, Vice Chancellor SU, and Professor Nigel Weatherill, Pro-Vice Chancellor Research SU, respectively. Terry Stubbs from the Knowledge Exploitation Fund (KEF) followed this with an informative presentation on KEF and their activities.

Dr. Cris Arnold and Dr. Hans Sienz, the directors of WCC, presented an overview and gave a more detailed introduction to the activities of both the funded projects currently being run by the WCC. Firstly, the Industrial Training Consortium (ITC) which is developing training material covering a wide range of composite technologies, based upon the requirements of Welsh SMEs and which will be holding a number of events where this material will be piloted. Secondly, the Technology Transfer Network (TTN) was presented, consisting of a number of partner organizations with a wide range of expertise in the field of composites. The WCC members can provide expert assistance to SMEs across Wales in the form of advisory visits, composite awareness events and initial project scoping work, as well as advice on possible funding routes for further collaboration.

The audience numbered over fifty, with representatives from SMEs, large companies,  academic institutions from all over Wales and the National Composites Network (NCN). The evening was concluded with a relaxing networking session amongst this unique mix of professionals, continuing for several hours over a fine Welsh inspired buffet.

Please go to www.welshcomposites.co.uk for information on participation in pilot training events and for dates of composite awareness events.