Cenamps / CPI

The challenge

Cenamps, Newcastle upon Tyne

Cenamps was a government funded technology transfer agency designed to develop and commercialise emerging and disruptive small-scale technologies including polymer electronics (e-paper), nanotechnologies, flexible functional materials, flexible displays, bioprocesses, medical diagnostics, novel electronics and photonic technologies for incorporation in next-generation smart products, processes and services. It merged with CPI in ’07.

What we did

Marketing Networks Manager

A strategic role to develop Cenamps’ channels nationwide (B2B, B2E, B2G), supporting the Business Development Director. Role developed from success of stakeholder analysis, and laid foundations for Cenamps bid to run national nanotechnology network (Nanotechnology KTN) for the Dti (now Technology Strategy Boards). In this role I:

• worked closely with key national and regional stakeholders at ONE Northeast, 5 NE Universities and the Dti to promote regional research capabilities AND Cenamps’ R & D facilities and technologies to generate business opportunities via industrial, scientific and environmental networks and organisations
• ran revenue-generating events on applied technology and access to funding
• presented Cenamps at national networking events, open days and events at Cenamps’ R&D facilities
• contributed copy to technology press, in-house and partners’ newsletters and press releases

Key achievements

• I worked alongside C.E.O. in Cenamps bid to run Nanotechnology KTN: we won the contract (March 2007) and funding worth £3million over 3 years. Oversaw handover from outgoing provider, MNT Network, and first recruits, before resigning in April 2007
• I planned and delivered an important technology showcase event at NetPark (Co. Durham) for large delegation behalf of UKTI. Event showcased market-ready novel applications to delegates from APAC and EU as part of a national programme, UK NanoForum, and generated significant new business (and PR)
• Cenamps was awarded ISO 9001 accreditation in October 2005 and in preparation I audited and updated all marketing practices to comply with strict criteria, and passed first time with no non-conformances.

Marketing Manager

My role was to promote and organise inter/national events to raise Cenamps’ profile and support business development. I managed all aspects of Marketing Communications (on/offline) and:

• liaised with One NorthEast Inward Investment and Marketing and PR teams on joint projects and activities
• compiled database of business contacts (UK/Global) to generate business development and networking
• compiled Asset Register of hi-tech companies in the North East and academic research units/universities nationwide to support business strategy of technology transfer
• launched regional technology networking events, supporting inter/national networking and edited in-house e-newsletter to regional stakeholders

Key achievements

• I implemented a full stakeholder analysis for Cenamps: qualitative research (depth interviews) with industrial, academic and government sector stakeholders to support marketing and business development strategy. Methodology was adopted by MNT Network (Dti funded national network) as best practice and rolled out to other RDAs nationwide. Helped lay foundations for Cenamps development into National Technology Centre
• Technology Survey of Eastern European Academic Research Teams (Nanotechnology) for presentation at WNEC (World Nano Economic Congress, London, November 2003)