Innovation, innovation, innovation (Day 30)
26th June 2014
If you managed to survive the last six years, you're likely to be leaner and more efficient, but still cautious. As economists say - confidence is the magical word to drive investment, jobs and expansion.
But there have been successes. In 2008, the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) was just four years old. Throughout the recession it has managed to survive and thrive, and, from an initial workforce of a few core people, has grown to 227 scientists, engineers and support staff.
It has even outlived the development agency which set it up (OneNorthEast), but subsequently fell victim to UK Government budget cuts in 2010.
It is a great success story and they were honoured with a special tenth birthday party on 18 June 2014 at the Houses of Parliament in London, UK, attended by Vince Cable - Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills.
Over the past decade CPI has been committed to the evolution, sustainability and growth of the British manufacturing sector. The numbers reflect this - they have completed more than 350 public and private sector projects, with a total value in excess of £300 million.
CPI has assisted over 2,000 companies and organisations globally, including SMEs, universities and large corporations.
And as you would expect for an innovation business, they have helped in challenging areas such as hydrogen fuel cell applications, advanced processing chemistries, industrial biotechnology, anaerobic digestion, printable electronics and biopharmaceuticals.
In 2011, CPI reached another major milestone when it became a founding member of the UK’s first elite technology innovation centre - the High Value Manufacturing Catapult.
Nigel Perry, chief executive of the Centre for Process Innovation said: “I am deeply proud of what CPI has achieved in the first 10 years. CPI is a centre that brings together the very best people and world class assets to deliver world class capability, and it works for industry and it works for the UK.
"We were delighted to have the opportunity to celebrate this milestone at the Palace of Westminster and to thank our customers and stakeholders for their trust, faith and on-going support. Their time, energy and commitment are hugely valued by the CPI team.”
Everyone at IChemE sends them our congratulations for their success and achievements as well.