Rugged Flat screen producer, Flatvision, approached Keele University’s Business Gateway for support to improve their end-to-end workflow processes. They took part on the Keele Research and Innovation Programme (KRISP)* and haven’t looked back.

Flatvision have over 30 years’ rugged LCD display engineering insights to tailor displays to a diverse range of environments. They have provided LCD displays to sectors including health organisation, Industry, military and leisure, with clients such as Network Rail, Marks & Spencer, The Royal Navy and Centre Parcs.

The Keele Research and Innovation Support Programme (KRISP) provided support in the form of Keele University business engagement managers and academics along with two students working as in-house Research and Development and Innovation (RD&I) advisors for up to 100 hours. The project looked at developing an online portal, providing customers with best practice, tips and advice. The project developed and implemented the online portal now being an integral part of Flatvision’s service and website. KRISP also supported in looking at refining workflow and business processes.

Company Director Martin Bose spoke about his experience with KRISP and how it can be a valuable asset to SMEs in Staffordshire saying: “I would 100% recommend KRISP, it’s been fantastic. Without having the fully-funded support and the resource on board in terms of two students doing both tasks I wouldn’t of have brought this product to market in the timescale we have, and whether we would have achieved this at all I don’t know.”

Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent businesses can benefit from a range of programmes that provide specialist support and funding, more details of which are available through Keele University’s Business Gateway - 01782 733001 / business.gateway@keele.ac.uk.

*The KRISP project (ref: 32R16P00711) is part-funded from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) England Growth Programme 2014-2020