Crestwood KTP
Crestwood – KTP
Knowledge Transfer Partnership – Crestwood Environmental Ltd
A University of Wolverhampton graduate proved invaluable to a city company during a Knowledge Transfer Partnership with environmental benefits.
Crestwood Environmental Ltd provides sound and practical planning, permitting, engineering and commercial expertise for a wide range of environmental projects relating to waste management, minerals, renewable energy and other land development sectors, primarily in the UK and Ireland.
Stephanie Hall was placed with the company to work on all aspects of bioaerosol monitoring and reporting for the company.
Bioaerosols are airborne particles originating from micro-organisms, such as bacteria, viruses or fungi. Potential harmful effects of bioaerosol emissions and odour problems from composting operations are a concern for the Environmental agency, local authorities and the wider public.
Stephanie, who graduated with a 2:1 in Biological Science from the University’s School of Applied Sciences, is on a Government organisation funded KTP scheme1. A KTP promotes a strong link between commercial and academic sectors, allowing the transfer and application of cutting edge information and techniques from the University of Wolverhampton.
She completed a Shorter KTP (which ran for 20 weeks) with Crestwood Environmental and is now embarking on a Classic KTP for two years. Stephanie has become a valuable part of the Crestwood team and it is hoped that she will become an expert in this area and help drive the company forward.
Jo Davies, Director of Crestwood Environmental Ltd, which is based at Wolverhampton Science Park, said there had been many benefits, including access to University expertise, an increase in company knowledge and expertise in the field of bioaerosols and strong company links with the University.
She said: “As an SME, our involvement with the shorter KTP has opened up a wealth of opportunities, ultimately allowing us to expand upon the services we currently offer.”
“The link with the University of Wolverhampton and knowledge exchange has been invaluable and second to none and could not have been achieved without the KTP. We are about to commence on a two year project and have high hopes that the level of commitment and drive of the associate will continue, allowing us to become experts in our field and develop the future of our business.”
As a result of the shorter KTP, the company will be able to extend their offer to customers and increase their market share. The University has also benefited from a greater emphasis on environmental-related PG and CPD provision.
During her time at the University, Stephanie developed her indepth knowledge of Plant Biology and Microbiology. She is also undertaking her own research into the microbiological aspects of bioaerosols.
1 Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) is a UK-wide programme enabling organisations to improve their competitiveness, productivity and performance through a partnership with an academic institution. KTP is part-funded by Advantage West Midlands, the European Regional Development Fund and the Technology Strategy Board. KTP is a Solutions for Business Product.
