Market-led research and development
Brunel University London was successful in attracting significant research funding to support its world-class expertise in liquid metal engineering. The portfolio of projects included EPSRC and Innovate UK funding to support fundamental research through to industrial scale-up activities. Both the University and its industry partners committed significant funds to match the public sector grants to establish new research facilities. The University needed to connect the research outputs in light metals casting with the demands of the market. The focus was mainly on the automotive industry with its requirement for lighter materials, efficiency and performance.
Engaging with industry
Beta was commissioned to help develop an overarching business plan for the Brunel Centre for Advanced Solidification Technology (BCAST). The aim of the business plan was to develop a strategy for successful industry engagement and collaboration. Our experts provided an independent and business-led view, taking into account both the academic drivers and the needs of the industry for advanced materials. The plan provided a roadmap for increasing levels of industrial research, leading to the development of new products and processes.
Trusted and independent advice
At the core of the business plan, Beta experts developed a number of key recommendations with a supporting timeline for implementation. This was enabled by experience and our ability to take an independent view, including unbiased discussions with stakeholders as part of the consultation process. We helped the University focus more on the business aspects and as a result the centre’s internal structure was much more aligned to successful industrial research.