Launched by the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), Measurement for Business (M4B) will allow innovative UK SMEs to access world-leading scientists and research facilities. Dr Peter Thompson, CEO at NPL, announced the programme at an event hosted by the Advanced Machinery and Productivity Institute in Rochdale.
M4B is now open to applications from SMEs within the Energy sector and to SMEs across Greater Manchester and Yorkshire and will allow UK businesses to access up to 20 days specialist measurement science and engineering expertise at no charge. The programme aims to drive growth for innovative businesses, accelerate the commercialisation of innovative products and services and to provide confidence to investors and early adopters.
Dr Thompson highlighted how M4B builds on the success of NPL’s previous Measurement for Recovery (M4R) programme, which supported UK industry in its recovery during the coronavirus pandemic. 70% of companies NPL worked with under this programme said their commercial opportunity had greatly or moderately increased and 90% reported a financial benefit as a result of the work conducted with NPL.
As the UK National Metrology Institute, one of NPL’s priorities is ensuring a sustainable energy system. The focus on companies within the Energy sector allows NPL to boost its work in accelerating the development of energy-efficient technologies and green energy solutions and enables companies to reduce the environmental impact of their products.
With a high concentration of industrial activity with companies working across high value sectors including advanced manufacturing, life sciences and aerospace, the programme is open to all SMEs across Greater Manchester and Yorkshire. This will strengthen our existing commitments and work in this region, including the Advanced Machinery and Productivity Institute in Rochdale and NPL’s presence at the 3M Buckley Innovation Centre in Huddersfield.
Dr Peter Thompson FREng, CEO, NPL, said:
“In launching our new programme, I’m delighted that we are strengthening our collaboration with UK businesses to accelerate innovation and increase confidence in product development. By providing UK SMEs with access to our unique measurement expertise and facilities, through M4B, we are driving business growth and ensuring the UK is addressing national challenges.”
