College KTP Gives Access to Stronger Trading in 2010

A partnership between Belfast Metropolitan College and Breezemount Electrical and Hydraulics has enabled the company to maintain its market share in a difficult trading year.

In January, Breezemount which specialises in electrical & hydraulics, access control systems and perimeter fencing became the twelfth company to engage in a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with Belfast Metropolitan College. Soon afterwards they expanded their premises on the Newtownbreda Industrial Estate and acquired Tom McBriar Ltd from administration and in turn added a construction equipment division to their portfolio.

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships place graduate associates in a local business where they work on industrial and commercial projects with supervision from a specialist academic. Businesses can expect to improve their competitiveness and productivity by harnessing knowledge, technology and other skills that the universities and colleges have whilst associates and academic advisers gain fresh business skills by working closely with companies. 

The Breezemount KTP is working to improve the company’s competitiveness and export capacity through development of integrated systems which will embed quality processes for tendering, new product development and business expansion.

Clive Gallagher, Manager, Breezemount Electrical and Hydraulics commented on the positive impact the KTP has made to their business:

“The project has focused upon delivering and implementing a marketing plan which has allowed Breezemount to professionally produce a defined strategy for the promotion of our products and services. The financial assistance and expert support available in partnership with Belfast Metropolitan College has helped us maintain our market share in difficult trading times. If we had not taken up this opportunity, I firmly believe we would not be in a good position to take advantage and make the most of our business when hopefully things improve in 2010.”

Phil Devlin, KTP Programme Manager at Belfast Metropolitan College believes that KTP is a winning combination for academia and local businesses:

“Knowledge Transfer Partnership facilitates engagement between Belfast Metropolitan College’s academics and industry by enabling the College to provide a comprehensive range of support for companies aiming to become more competitive, achieve growth and improve profitability. Together we can implement creative and innovative strategies for the company’s development.”

To date Belfast Met has completed six KTPS with a further six in progress and a new partnership due to start in early 2010. Client companies have been drawn from areas as diverse as food manufacturing, packaging, construction, security, catering, electronics and ambient advertising. KTP is funded by the Technology Strategy Board along with other government organisations, including Invest NI. 

If you are interested in finding out further information on the KTP project, please do not hesitate to contact: