The first seminar was held at Wynyard House earlier this month, with a selected group of eight attendees from a range of companies including Balfour Kilpatrick, Spirax Sarco and Aegies Associates, being addressed by Raymond Oliver (F.R.Eng., F.I.Chem.E), Director of Science and Innovation at Cenamps, on the subject of Nanotechnology, digital fabrication and products that think.

Following the success of this event, the TVEP have now planned a further four master classes, to be held at two monthly intervals between September and March. Each class will be based on a current technological subject and how it can provide opportunities for Tees Valley Companies.

The September Seminar at Wynyard House (8am, September 10), to be led by a lecturer from Durham University, will focus on design technology and new product development, with the Centre for Process Innovation signing up to deliver a further specialist master class on November 6.

Attendance for the seminars is strictly limited, but all five presentations will be made available on DVD following the close of the series in March.

Malcolm Potter, Manager of the Tees Valley Engineering Partnership, said: “A recent survey conducted by the TVEP showed that while companies are devoting a lot of time and money to increasing productivity and developing the skills of their workforce, they simply do not have the time or resources to explore new technical innovations, which means that they are missing out on a wide range of business opportunities.

“By bringing the experts to the Tees Valley, and allowing people to attend free of charge, we hope to enlighten more firms to how technology can open the doors to new markets and educate them in such a way that they are able to capitalise on future technological advancement.”

For more information about the TVEP’s Technology Master classes or to find out how you can be part of the specially invited audience, please contact Malcolm Potter on (01740) 627000 or email Malcolm@tvep.co.uk.

ENDS