NETWORKS

ISSUE 1
T h e S c i e n c e E n g i n e e r i n g & Te c h n o l o g y M a g a z i n e

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 Encouraging
innovation and
investment.

We are here to help businesses invest, grow and

expand throughout County Durham.
That’s why we’re driving forward the development of
NETPark and NETPark Net – to ensure that the perfect
environment is in place to help science and technology
companies grow and flourish.

To find out more about how we can help your

business grow in County Durham, visit:

www.wherebusinessgrows.com
or call us on: 0191 370 8680

where business grows

NETWorks17.indd 2 17/3/11 15:59:16

 FOREWORD
NETWorks reports on the very latest science and technology news, putting
discoveries and advances in the context of everyday life – showcasing the
scientific excellence of County Durham and the North East.

When you look back at the emergence of the United Kingdom as an industrial powerhouse,
you’re struck time and again by key moments when increases in the scale of manufacture
become possible.

Often this is the direct result either of new proceses being discovered or of new uses for
existing materials. That’s certainly been a characteristic of the chemical and pharmaceutical
industries where technological advances have had, and are still having, a vital part to play.

Sparked by the developing reputation of Teesside as a hub for these sectors, today chemicals
and pharmaceuticals are of huge importance to the north east’s economy, with around 200
chemical, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies throughout the region contributing
to what is a £60 billion industry for the UK, providing 600,000 quality jobs throughout the
land.

In our region, SembCorp’s Wilton International is already well established and home to many
of the world’s leading chemical and manufacturing companies such as Huntsman, Invista,
DuPont SA, Dow and Uniqema.

Recently, former Newcastle University pharmaceutical spin-out e-Therapeutics announced that

it was to raise £17.6m in a deal that will see Invesco become its largest investor.

In February, the region played host to the Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Sector –
Opportunities and Developments in the North East conference. It brought together big
players like GlaxoSmithKline and Sanofi-Aventis, but many smaller, fast-growing companies
like Boldon-based Immunodiagnostic Systems and Prudhoe-based The Specials Laboratory
were also represented.

At the University of Sunderland, the new £8.5m Sciences Complex aims to deliver research
with “real world” impact, from new drugs to therapies and improved health practices and
within the region the sectors have benefitted from the tremendous support of NEPIC and CPI.

And the potential is enormous. A glance at the R&D spend top ten shows just how enormous
- $8.7bn at Roche; $7.4bn at Pfizer; $5.59bn at GSK...

So it’s important that there’s a long-term, consistent policy framework within which the
industry can thrive. Innovative companies need access to finance and a competitive tax
regime that incentivises R&D and rewards IP.

Stewart Watkins
Managing Director, County Durham Development Company (CDDC)

CDDC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Durham County Council, encourages innovation and
strategic investment in the County and is driving the development of the North East Technology
Park (NETPark) and the virtual innovation environment NETPark Net.

NETWorks is published by Distinctive Publishing Ltd, Aidan House,

Sunderland Road, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear NE8 3HU
Telephone 0191 4788300
Managing Director John Neilson
Creative Director Martin Williamson
For all enquiries including editorial, subscription and
advertising please contact Distinctive Publishing.
With thanks to all our contributors.

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 G
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LIS
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L T H C O M PA N
HEA
2. 1
CONTENTS
06. NEWS & EVENTS...NOT TO BE MISSED
07. NETPARK BUSINESS PREPARES FOR GROWTH
18

08. COLLABORATIVE ACTION BENEFITS THE WHOLE PROCESS INDUSTRY

.N

10. NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY, CHANGING AGE!

E W G

11. ENCAPSUWATE PAINTING A GREENER FUTURE

ENE T

12. HEALTH COMPANY SECURES LISTING

13. THE BIG IDEA AT NETPARK
E S T D I S C OV E R E D

14. EMPLOYMENT BOOST FOR RENEWABLE INDUSTRY

15. £6.5M NETPARK EXTENSION UNDERWAY
16. NORTHSTAR VENTURES INVESTING IN INNOVATION
18. NEW GENE TEST DISCOVERED NEUROMUSCULAR DISORDER
19. ART OF SCIENCE AT NETPARK
NEU

20. SENSING THE NEED FOR INNOVATION

OM R

21. N.E. LEADS THE WAY IN PLANNING FOR AN AGEING POPULATION

SC U

22. DURHAM ON TRACK FOR HIGH SPEED TRAIN BUILDING PROJECT

UL

25. RESEARCHERS SUGGEST NEW WAYS OF PROTECTING WILDLIFE

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27. SCIENCE HOLDS THE KEY FOR REGION

IS
O
RD
ER 28. RESEARCH THAT’S SIMPLY OUT OF THIS WORLD
29. CLEANING UP THE OCEANS
30. BREAKING THAT AWKWARD SILENCE

28. RESEARC
H
TH
AT
’S
SI
MP
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UT OF THIS
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 Where brilliant
ideas grow.

The NETPark Incubator doesn’t just provide space to work, it provides a total-support
environment in which science and technology businesses can develop and grow.
If your business is based on the research, design and development of new
technologies, and displays the potential and ambition for growth through
innovation, then why not join us? If you have a product to develop, we’ll help you
turn it into a business.
To find out more, visit us at:
www.NorthEastTechnologyPark.com
Or contact us at:
The NETPark Incubator, Thomas Wright Way, Sedgefield, County Durham TS21 3FD
e-mail: netpark@wherebusinessgrows.com
NETPark enquiries: +44 (0)1740 625180

NETPark is developed by:

INCUBATOR
where business grows

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 NEWS & EVENTS...
NOT TO BE MISSED
13th April 2011
1st European Chemical Purchasing Conference
Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Brussels, Belgium
Up-to-date information about the global and regional economic
recoveries, world and local supply issues, energy and credit
issues and projections for key chemicals and polymers.
www.icisconference.com/europeanpurchasing
9th-10th May 2011
European Pharma Manufacturing Masters 2011
Meliá Berlin Hotel, Berlin, Germany
All pharmaceutical manufactures needs to optimise their
operations for increasing productivity. The European Pharma
Manufacturing Masters 2011 will share challenges, experiences
and solutions with a unique networking approach & atmosphere.
www.business-masters.econique.com
6th-7th June 2011
The Pharmaceutical Out-licensing Course
Understand the key factors leading to a successful out-licensing
deal within the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. Learn
how to profile your product and prepare product information to
maximize its attractiveness to third parties.
www.celforpharma.com
7th-9th June 2011
Next Generation Pharmaceutical Summit 2011
The InterContinental, Vienna, Austria
An arena for senior level executives to engage in clear
and focused dialogue with their peers and examine their
management objectives in a relaxed and vibrant environment.
www.ngpsummit.eu.com
15th-16th June 2011 - ChemSpec Europe 2011
Palexpo, Geneva, Switzerland
The leading exhibition of the fine and speciality chemicals
industries, attended by most of the major players in Europe.
Connect with new and existing contacts and learn from industry
experts in a range of free-to-attend conferences and seminars.
www.chemspecevents.com
GlaxoSmithKline has begun late-stage trials of two new drugs,
GSK2118436 and GSK1120212, for advanced or metastatic
melanoma patients. The trials will determine if the drugs stop or
slow the progression of skin cancer in patients with the BRAF V600
mutation.
GSK has also announced that it is to pay the tuition fees of
undergraduates the company hires in the UK. Designed to
drive recruitment GSK’s reimbursement scheme is timed to
coincide with increased university fees which come into place in
September 2012.
Financial services consulting group Mercer (New York) is
forecasting that investment opportunities in low carbon
technology could hit $5 trillion by 2030. While this would be a
boost for the chemical industry, there is a downside - climate
change could contribute as much as 10% to company share
portfolio risks during the next 20 years. More detail in the Mercer
study ‘Climate Change Scenarios – Implications for Strategic
Asset Allocation’.
Most medical apps for the iPhone and other smartphone
platforms have been aimed at doctors and patients, but a
growing number are being developed for drug developers.
Finding clinical trials, capturing and reporting outcomes data,
imaging and even clinical trial management systems apps are
now available.
Bloomberg is forecasting that Japan’s pharmaceutical
companies are going to snap up more drug developers. In
the past year, reports Bloomberg, there was a 30% jump in the
number of overseas deals completed by Japan’s pharma
companies. With money to spend, and a stronger yen, there
could be a ‘biotech buyout blast in 2011’.
The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) says that,
in order to get around tight controls, modified designer drugs
are being produced in growing numbers and at an ever-faster
pace. Detailed instructions are often shared on the Internet,
and the INCB is urging governments to adopt national control
measures to prevent the manufacture, trafficking in and abuse
of these substances.

NETPARK NET CLINIC SCHEDULE 2011

DATE SESSION EXPERT COMPANY TOPIC
22 March Bruce Watson Northumbria University Design Expertise for high growth businesses.
5 April Graeme Jordan /Paul Sutherland think M Market Strategy Expertise for your business
12 April Terry Wilcox HMRC Tax implications of imports and exports
26 April Simon Briton Armstrong Watson ‘Tax Breaks For Innovation – R&D Tax Credits And The Patent Box’
10 May Paul Chapman Bluefin Insurance Insurance for your company.
24 May Gary Thompson C2M Concept to Manufacture – how can I get my product made?

THE SCIENCE ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE

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NETPARK BUSINESS
PREPARES FOR GROWTH
An innovative technology business based at NETPark is gearing
up for growth, after the sampling of its first telecom products.
U2T Photonics UK Ltd, which has been at the North East
Technology Park (NETPark) in Sedgefield, for two years has
started selling its products on a small-scale - a process that the
firm believes will pave the way for more rapid expansion within
the next two years.
The business, which currently employs eight people, produces
innovative technology that allows the high speed transmission
of data across large geographical areas. Practically, this will
allow faster and cheaper broadband that is able to meet
future demand – expected to soar over coming years. U2T
NETWorks17.indd 7
Steve Clements managing director of U2T
hopes to become a multi-million pound turnover business when
it takes the product to market on a larger scale.
Steve Clements, managing director of U2T, said: “The product
we make has great commercial potential and we expect that
within the next 18 months to two years, we will see turnover
grow into millions.
“Being based here at NETPark has allowed us to quickly get
into our office and laboratory space and concentrate on the
business. To have use of NETPark’s facilities, as well as access to
information and equipment from Durham University’s Research
Institute and PETEC has been an extremely valuable support
mechanism.”
17/3/11 15:59:38
 COLLABORATIVE ACTION BENEFITS
THE WHOLE PROCESS INDUSTRY
NEPIC, the North East Process Industry Cluster, was established by
industry in 2005 to identify and deliver growth opportunities for
the sector and the UK economy and in 2006, the cluster created
a Strategy for Growth at a time when our industry sector was
widely believed to be at best stagnant or even dying.
By harnessing the collective knowledge of key industrialists in
the sector, NEPIC built a vision for change and a strategy for
growth and with continued support from all parts of the industry,
NEPIC has and will continue to deliver fantastic results for the UK
economy.
Despite the sector suffering from difficult times in the wake of
the recent recession, the regions process sector fought back
as it sought to accelerate investment, improve efficiency and
transition into a new low carbon future.
The NEPIC Ten Point Plan and subsequent Tees Valley Industrial
Programme were formulated and rolled out over the course
of 2010 with huge success, and as NEPIC announces £1 billion
Gross Value Added for the UK economy since its inception, the
cluster takes a look at the current state of play across North East
England’s process sector landscape.
Rejuvenation is key to the success of the sector and the region
has rapidly established itself as a global hub for the sustainable
use of bioresources and waste. We continue to be at the
forefront of this vital sector, which is strengthened by the existing
commercial and technical infrastructure that the region boosts.
The Ensus bioethanol plant, Europe’s largest wheat biofinery, has
now been in production for over a year, whilst Harvest Energy
who took over the former Biofuels Corporation biodiesel plant
on Teesside has recently committed to stay in the region for ten
years. Greenergy has made a significant investment with a new
state-of-the-art fuel blending, storage and distribution facilities
and Four Rivers, based in Cambois Northumberland, have
secured a supply agreement with BP to produce biodiesel, with
plans well underway for the site to become their first integrated
waste to energy plant. These existing projects and infrastructure
are expected to be complimented by an INEOS BioEnergy Plant,
which will produce a carbon neutral bioethanol road transport
fuel from waste together with renewable electricity at Seal
Sands.
The Sembcorp owned Wilton 10 Power Station on Teesside
became the UK’s first large scale biomass power station to use
wood as its renewable fuel source and MGT Power has been
granted full consent to go ahead with their £500m Teesport
based Tees Renewable Energy Plant, with a plant of the same
capacity is also being planned for Port of Tyne, Newcastle.
THE SCIENCE ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE
NETWorks17.indd 8
Similar projects from Gaia Power and others are also being
considered due to the fantastic port, rail and road infrastructure
in the region.
Energy from Waste is another key area for the region. SITA, who
already operates a large scale Waste to Energy plant within the
region, announced with Sembcorp, proposals for a £200million
Wilton 11 Project, which will convert household & office waste
to energy on the Wilton Site, whilst Air Products has announced
plans to build a new 49MW renewable energy plant in Tees
Valley.
Pyreco is also building a leading edge plant on the Wilton site
that will use advanced patented pyrolysis techniques to break
down end-of-life tyres back to their component parts of carbon
black, oil, gas and steel. Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation has
chosen the Cassel Site at Billingham as the new location for
the manufacture of electrolyte – the active ingredient in Li-ion
batteries.
Elsewhere in the region, the Pharmaceutical Industry remains the
main value creator in Northumberland, Durham and Tyne and
Wear and should be at the heart of the strategy for economic
development of the Northern Local Economic Partnership (LEP)
and a key focus of the North East Economic Partnership (NEEP).
Many very significant international corporations have big
pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities located here. The
region plays host to GlaxoSmithKline in Barnard Castle, sanofi-
aventis at Fawden, MSD in Cramlington and Fuji Biologics
Billingham Teesside, along with Piramel Pharmaceuticals in
Morpeth, Bolden based ImmunoDiognostic Systems (IDS), and
Reckitt Benkieser (formerly SSL International) in Peterlee.
These extremely important businesses contribute hugely to
the local economy and are joined by our own home grown
manufacturing capability in SCM Pharma and The Specials
Laboratory in Prudoe and of course not forgetting the amazing
growth story of Cramlington based Aesica Pharmaceuticals.
These huge manufacturing facilities together produce
approximately thirty five per cent of the UKs Pharmaceutical
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) – an industry that is often held up
as the “Jewel in the Crown” of the UK economy.
This sector is in constant flux. The region’s most recent significant
acquisition came when Covance, the USA based research
organisation, acquired the research facilities of sanofi-aventis
at Alnwick. This underlines the very significant Pharmaceutical
research capability of North East England.
17/3/11 15:59:41
 The region also boosts a number of Fine & Speciality companies to provide 17 per cent of the polymer used in UK milk bottles as
covering a range of process steps from development through recycled material.
to large scale manufacture. Many of these are SMEs, and they
Furthermore, the Wilton site is still dominated by SABIC’s huge
employ a range of personnel including highly skilled professional
£300 million investment into Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE), the
chemists and engineers, process and engineering technicians
largest such plant in the world, that has turned the UK into a net
and associated business support functions, totalling at least 5,000
exporter of that material.
direct jobs.
The region also plays host to Lucite International, now part
The traditional products for many of these companies have been
of the Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, who are the biggest
low added value, simple chemical transformations, servicing
producers in the world of methyl-methacrylate - the driving force
domestic markets, often consumer driven. Price erosion and well
behind the global Perspex brand. Victrex and Ineos Notriles also
established transportation routes have led customers to look to
manufacture in the region and Dupont Tejin Films, who make
lower cost economies for ways to reduce manufacturing costs
specialist materials such as cling film and electronic tapes, still
and maintain market share.
have a major R&D activity here.
But it is noticeable that the migration of products to low cost
It is not surprising therefore that many of the above high-tech
economies has slowed down, if not reversed for a variety of
manufacturing facilities and the R&D teams that underpin them,
reasons such as unachieved quality, logistical and capacity
are working from the Wilton Centre in Redcar. Here they are
targets. There has also been a realisation that straightforward
generating new materials and processes for the plastic electronic
labour costs do not make up as much of the production cost as
sector, which are finding applications as flexible television and
was believed and in China and India labour costs have been
monitor screens, printed circuits, photovoltaic cells and leading
raising with double digit inflation.
edge lighting equipment.
The future holds new opportunities for fine and speciality
Many of these companies are collaborating in these new
chemical companies. High value added products are being
technology areas with the Centre for Process Innovation – CPI,
developed using innovation in bio-based industries, specialised
who support developments in new polymers through the National
medicinal and healthcare industries (including cosmeceuticals
Industrial Biotechnology and Sustainable Process units, which
and nutraceuticals), coatings, advanced materials, recycling
house scale up equipment to enable company’s to trial their
and recovery operations amongst others. Many of these
new products and processes. CPI also manages the National
processes are being adopted by manufacturers across Europe
Plastic Electronic Centre in Sedgefield, where many new product
and it is essential that North East companies become involved
innovations are taking place.
in these developments. Local companies can keep abreast of
these developments through the cluster and also the S2B Project Looking to the future, NEPIC’s current active investment portfolio
that is being led by Teesside University. comprises of 62 projects, totalling a potential £10 billion. The
Cluster’s membership continues to fund its activities and can
Elsewhere, within the Rubber & Polymer sector, technology
advise on business funding, supply chain connections, planning
is developing and bringing with it opportunities in new
and land issues, as well as personnel and skills.
biodegradable, recycled and recyclable polymers and there are
in the region of two hundred companies within these sectors in NEPIC also can assist with marketing and sales and in particular
North East England. via its website, membership directory and sector publications,
which have an extensive circulation directed to contacts in the
Polymers were first manufactured on the Wilton Site on Teesside
global industry. NEPIC members regularly report of gaining new
and to this day we can still find many polymers and their
business from around the world from their interactions with these
intermediates being made here. Purified terephthalic acid, or
tools.
PTA as it’s commonly known, the precursor of PET (polyethylene
terephalate), is manufactured on a very large scale on the site Dr Stan Higgins, NEPIC CEO said: “We are totally focused on
by the Korean owned Lotte Chemicals. business growth. Because our industry leadership believe through
growth of the sector and individual companies we will continue
Next door, one of the newer innovations in global recycling is
to have a healthy industry in the region”.
taking place, where the patented technology of Greenstar WES
(recently been acquired by Biffa Polymers) enables the company www.nepic.co.uk

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 NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY,
CHANGING AGE
Welcome to the 29 hour day! Increasing longevity means that Whilst all of these are important issues, the last 3 represent not
every day we use 24 hours and gain five more to stockpile for only challenges but opportunities; opportunities to work with
later. older people and to utilise scientific knowledge to innovate in
providing the products and services needed in a society where
Children born today have a 95% chance of reaching the age of
it is more common to be over 60 than under 16. Innovation of
65 and an increasingly large number of us will exceed 85. The
this kind is a great opportunity for business, not only to make
over 85s, the oldest old, are the fastest growing sector of society
a difference but, for those who are quick to recognize and
and this is changing the demography of our society. This huge
address its challenges, for significant financial reward.
triumph for mankind is both a blessing and a challenge.
If we are to make the most of our newly shaped society, then
we must learn to think differently about ageing and older
people. This is a huge societal challenge and one to which
Newcastle University has committed itself, across the University,
under its Changing Age societal challenge theme, led from the
Faculty of Medical Sciences.
Newcastle University prides itself on its reputation for
international excellence in a broad range of research around
ageing, centred on its Institute for Ageing and Health but
extending well beyond the medical sphere. Changing Age
has provided the impetus to enhance our ability to work with
the public and with business to see genuine impact from our
research work. The initiative builds on our extensive networks
and the Campus for Ageing and Vitality, a unique environment
for collaboration in ageing.
The University’s Charter for Changing Age sets out 8 points of The University is keen to work with a variety of partners. We may
challenge to our current attitudes: be able to help you, if you are working on products or services
which address questions such as:

n Increased life spans represent one of humanity’s n How do we manage our lives to age as well as possible?
greatest achievements n How do we limit the impact of age related conditions?
n Increasing life expectancy is an economic good n How do we make products, places and services accessible
n Ageing concerns us all to all ages?
n Each individual has an equal place in our society n How do we support those damaged by ageing
regardless of age compassionately and effectively, yet efficiently?
n Much better information about older people is needed
To find out more about how we might support your business
n Older people are an under-acknowledged asset
with innovation please contact:
n We need to use and expand our scientific knowledge
about ageing Graham Armitage - Programme Director
n We need urgently to adapt infrastructure for an ageing Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle University
population Tel: ++44 (0)191 248 1306
E-mail: graham.armitage@ncl.ac.uk

THE SCIENCE ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE

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 (L-R) Jonathan Quinn - Managing Director
of EncapsUwaste, Ben Herbert - Director
of Research & Development at Stopford
Projects and Prith Rajendran - Managing
Director of Stopford Projects

PAINTING A GREENER FUTURE

FOR THE WASTE INDUSTRY
The UK paint market is currently the fourth largest in Europe,
creating enough waste each year to fill 40 Olympic sized
swimming pools. The environmental impact and high costs
associated with the disposal of commercial paint sludge has
led EncapsUwaste, in partnership with Stopford Projects Ltd, to
develop a new ultrasonic micro-encapsulation process that
cost effectively diverts paint waste from landfill.
EncapsUwaste’s unique process uses specially selected and
modified Pulverised Fuel Ash (PFA) to reduce paint volume.
The ash is introduced to the paint waste within an ultrasonic
reactor, to lock-up the heavy metals and waste fraction. The
end product is an inert grey powder which can be used in a
number of applications such as breeze block manufacture and
filling material in commercial paint production.
When developing new paint formulations, the industry is
tasked with balancing the performance of the paint with its
environmental impact. Dependent on the intended end-use,
some paints contain a number of hazardous substances
and heavy metals, requiring specialist disposal via licensed
contactors. Typical removal costs range between £200 - £500
per tonne of waste, with figures set to rise with increasing landfill
disposal costs. Leachable metals present in untreated paint
sludge pose significant risk, since many have been shown
to be bio-accumulative and toxic within the environment.
The EncapsUwaste process serves to lock-up the leachable
metals fraction, creating a cleaner, more economical disposal
process, while significantly reducing the environmental impact
of the waste stream.
The EncapsUwaste test plant is currently in operation in
Bromborough, Wirral and continues to be rigorously trialled to
ensure its performance meets the needs of the industry and the
requirements of the regulators. Jonathan Quinn, EncapsUwaste
Managing Director says, “the system requires a minimum level
of competence to operate and with suitable adjustment is able
to support high production volumes. The process has also been
designed so that it can be readily integrated within existing
manufacturing infrastructure.”
The problems associated with hazardous paint waste disposal
are not confined to the UK and as such, EncapsUwaste is
hopeful that future technological and market developments
will facilitate international expansion.
EncapsUwaste is a technology driven by market demand
and environmental concern. Through support from Stopford
Projects’ R&D department, EncapsUwaste is currently seeking
to develop pipeline applications for the technology, including
the sustainable treatment of inks and dye waste streams.
For enquiries about the EncapsUwaste Process, please contact
Jonathan Quinn on 07885 775804, or for further details relating
to Stopford Projects’ capabilities in the development of green
technologies please visit the Stopford website
www.stopford.co.uk
11

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 HEALTH COMPANY
SECURES LISTING
Six years after its launch in Cramlington, Aesica
Pharmaceuticals has been named by Deloitte in the Sunday
Times as one of the fastest private equity backed firms, with the
fastest growth in profits.
The company, 3rd in the list of 100 fastest growing companies,
was spun out of BASF by Dr Robert Hardy and his management
team in 2006. They have since purchased three other
businesses across the UK and are seeking acquisitions around
the world to achieve further growth.
Aesica were joined on the list by Quantum Specials of County
Durham (14th), who manufacture and supply pharmaceutical
products and medicines, along with Darlington based specialist
Healthcare provider Castlebeck (72nd).
Dr. Stan Higgins CEO of NEPIC, the Cluster group representing
Pharmaceutical industry in the region, said: “Congratulations to
THE SCIENCE ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE
NETWorks17.indd 12
all these companies that are clearly identifying and providing
the growth our economy needs. In particular, Dr Hardy and
the team at Aesica Pharmaceuticals, who have been NEPIC
members since their formation.
“Aesica Pharmaceuticals have grown from a £20m company
to well over £100m sales in less than six years, which has been
achieved from their Cramlington base. The company now has
several major sites across the UK employing over seven hundred
people. It just shows what can be achieved by a determined
and imaginative management team, even in a competitive
globalised industry such as pharmaceuticals.”
The Sunday Times Fast Track 100 league table ranks Britain’s 100
private companies with the fastest-growing sales on their latest
three years.
17/3/11 16:00:05
 THE BIG IDEA
AT NETPARK
Between 70-90% of new products fail* in their market place – in and defence technologies and many many more. They
today’s tough economy, this failure rate can no longer be an can find the right expert and help find skilled people to assist
option. growing businesses.
Now companies can take advantage of a total innovation Business support
support system provided by the Business Innovation Gateway Just setting up and growing a business can be fraught but many
(BIG) a joint facility offered by NETPark, the Centre for Process people have already successfully achieved this. Companies
Innovation and Durham University. can bcome part of the NETPark community and learn from the
best, and take advantage of CPI’s “SME in a box” service.
The combined strengths of the three partners means the right
support at the right time for your business. Support for innovation
Ideas generate wealth but only if the right idea is there to
Space and facilities
develop in the first place. Innovation and product portfolio
A broad range is available including Virtual Office, hotdesking,
management processes should be as lean and as effective
incubation lab and office space, right through to high-end
as manufacturing processes. NETPark’s innovation academy
cleanrooms and access to the state of the art equipment at
teaches companies how to choose which ideas to progress
Durham University and CPI.
and which to develop with global companies looking for new
Market knowledge ideas. CPI will help roadmap new technologies and broker new
NETPark’s NETIntel business intelligence combines with CPI’s partnerships.
extensive IP landscaping service and export advice from our
Fortune favours the well prepared so contact us on
partners.
innovation@uknetpark.net or call 01740 625186
Money
Anthony Ulwick – Author of ‘What Customers Want
A complete range of finance and funding tools is available,
including a funding database, investment readiness
assessment, help with business plans, plus links to angels, VC Provided by:
funds and many sources of public sector support.
Technical expertise and skills
Durham University and CPI are home to world-leading experts
in fields from space science to printable electronics to energy

13

NETWorks17.indd 13 17/3/11 16:00:13

 EMPLOYMENT BOOST
FOR RENEWABLE INDUSTRY
Research has revealed that renewable energy in the UK is The report identifies 9,200 full-time employees as working in the
starting to make an impact on employment statistics. large-scale wind energy industries in 2009/10. A comparable study
commissioned by RenewableUK from Bain & Company in 2008
RenewableUK, the country’s leading voice for the renewable
recorded 4,800 FTE employees in the sector for the 2007/8 period.
energy industry, has published the most comprehensive ever
employment figures for the wind energy industry, showing a Maria McCaffery MBE, Chief Executive of RenewableUK, said:
91 per cent increase in full-time employment in the sector “This sector has withstood the negative GDP growth of the
between 2007/8 and 2009/10. UK recession and bucked the overall employment trend in a
spectacular way by a near doubling of the workforce.”
The growth in employment stands in contrast to the overall UK
employment level, which reduced during the same period by Announcements by the Government to continue with ports
3.4 per cent. investments in last year’s Spending Review, followed by
a host of inward investment decisions in the supply chain,
The study was jointly commissioned by RenewableUK and
including Siemens’ recent decision to locate major turbine
EU Skills, the Sector Skills Council for the Power Sector, from
manufacturing plant in the UK, are expected to further
Warwick University ’s Institute for Employment Research (IER)
advance employment in the sector in the coming years.
and Cambridge Econometrics.
Maria McCaffrey said: “It is now obvious that acting decisively
The findings are based on information collected from 253
on reducing carbon emissions and diversifying our energy
companies with business activities in the wind and marine
supply will bring a double bonanza of increased green energy
energy sectors.
yields and economic growth.”
Of the 10,800 full-time-equivalent (FTE) employees working
“This study presents a compelling case for increasing our base
directly in the sectors, the majority, or 56 per cent, are
of installed renewable energy devices. There is a clear link
associated with large-scale onshore wind (turbine output of
between sector activity and UK employment gains. Creating
over 100kW), followed by 29 per cent in offshore wind, whilst
a policy framework that ensures that our wind, wave and
7–8 per cent of the overall workforce is employed in small-
tidal resources are fully utilised will create jobs and stimulate
scale wind and around the same proportion in wave and tidal
economic activity at a time when we need it most.”
energy.

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 £6.5M NETPARK
EXTENSION UNDERWAY
Work is underway on a £6.5m project to add two brand new
units to the North East Technology Park (NETPark).
The additional units are being specifically developed to cater
for businesses that have either grown successfully at the NETPark
Incubator and now require larger premises, or for other expanding
companies that wish to move to NETPark.
Children from Fishburn Primary School got stuck into laying the
groundwork for two new units, which are set to be completed
by November of this year. The new units will offer space for up
to four businesses and represent the latest phase in the rapid
development of NETPark, which was last extended in 2010. As
one of the fastest growing parks of its kind in the UK, NETPark is
expected to be home to businesses that will create thousands of
high-quality jobs in the future.
The school helped to get building work underway, after visiting
the site in February to find out about some of the groundbreaking
science and technology businesses that are based at NETPark
and the career opportunities these offer.
Councillor Neil Foster, Durham County Council’s cabinet member
for regeneration and economic development, said: “We have
already seen many businesses at NETPark managing to develop
and expand at pace, and so the addition of space that offers
room for growth for businesses is a real step forward.
“Science and technology is a growing and resilient sector, and
there is an increasing need for specialised business space and
support that meets the changing needs of fast-developing
companies. These new buildings will help us to better cater for
science businesses, which will in turn make NETPark an even more
attractive choice for companies looking for space in which to
locate their business.”
NETWorks17.indd 15
He added: “The development marked a really important step
forward for NETPark and it seemed appropriate to involve local
schools as we began the extension. The investment that has been
put into NETPark is helping us to continue to put in the place the
necessary infrastructure for a successful science industry in the
region, which is something the young people we invited to the site,
and others like them, will gain profound benefits from in the future.”
The units are being constructed on a 2.5 hectare site at NETPark,
and are part of a £10m project comprising three units, the first of
which was completed in March 2010 and is now occupied by
Kromek. Each of the new buildings will provide 1,870 sq m of floor
space, which will include serviced office areas and spaces which
tenants can fit out as laboratories, clean-rooms or production
space. Each building can be divided into two separate units,
ensuring that it can be adapted to meet the needs of growing
businesses.
Around £200,000 worth of renewable energy features will
be installed of photovoltaic panels on the roofs to generate
electricity for direct use by the building occupiers as well as the
addition of charging points for electric cars and bicycles. All three
units were partly funded by the European Regional Development
Fund and One North East’s Single Programme.
One North East Head of Special Projects, Emma Speight, said: “The
number of companies growing through the incubation process
at NETPark is increasing and so too is the need for additional
business space. These new units will help take companies from the
incubation stage to a successful commercial organisation.”
15
17/3/11 16:00:37

(L–R) Ross Linnet - Recite me & Stephen Price - Northstar Ventures
NORTHSTAR VENTURES
INVESTING IN INNOVATION
Northstar Ventures is a Newcastle-based venture capital firm
that specialises in turning promising ideas and innovations
into commercially successful businesses. As well as financial
backing, Northstar offers fledgling firms in the north east the
management support and professional know how to help
them flourish.
Northstar manages two funds as part of the £125m Finance for
Business North East programme:
The £15m Finance for Business North East Proof of Concept
Fund, which supports the very early stages of business creation
within the technology sector, with investments of between £20k
and £100k.
The £20m Finance for Business North East Accelerator Fund,
which invests in high growth, early stage businesses in any
eligible sector and will complete investments of between £100k
and £500k.
These funds are backed by One North East, the European
Regional Development Fund and the European Investment
Bank.
Northstar supports entrepreneurial talent in the North East by
facilitating successful deals across a range of sectors, including
digital media, healthcare, biotech, energy and environment
and mobile communications. Through backing new products
and processes that enhance living standards and create
inspired solutions for business, Northstar has invested in many
ground breaking, innovative technologies, which serve as the
basis of a sustainable, knowledge-based regional economy.
The Finance for Business North East Accelerator Fund
Re Pet
Plastics manufacturer Re Pet was launched last year to supply
the packaging industry with recyclable plastic sheeting
for products destined for the food packaging industry. The
company has secured £1.2m of investment including a
THE SCIENCE ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE
NETWorks17.indd 16
(L-R) Alex Buchan - Northstar Ventures,
John Forrest - Re Pet & Peter Calliafas
of Accelerating Growth Fund
contribution from Northstar, which backed the company on
behalf of the Finance for Business North East Accelerator Fund.
The company’s name is derived from the PET material that it
makes which is most commonly used to make drinks bottles
and is much easier to recycle than PVC plastic, which is still
used by many retailers. Currently the UK imports two-thirds of
the PET material used in food packaging and Re Pet aims to
become one of the largest PET manufacturers in the country.
The product Re Pet makes is cheaper than PVC, so it is a win-
win situation for food companies and supermarkets looking to
increase their green credentials as well as keep costs down.
As much as £800,000 of the £1.2m investment pot has already
been used to buy a machine that sandwiches recycled plastic
between thin layers of plastic polymer material, which is then
pushed through a die under high pressure to create the plastic
sheeting. Re Pet expects to be making 100 tonnes of material
per week with the help of the new machine and anticipates
rapid growth, hoping to attract enough additional investment
to secure a second, more advanced, machine in the autumn.
Femeda
Local company Femeda is leading the charge in the fight
against bladder weakness – a condition which affects at least
one third of all women during their lifetime.
The company, based in Wynyard Business Park, has been
backed by the Finance for Business North East Accelerator
Fund. Femeda has devised a simple, discreet product to
help women improve the strength of their pelvic floor muscle.
Pelviva ‘pelpons’ are designed to be as familiar and user-
friendly as tampons – disposable, comfortable and easy to
use. The product has the potential to significantly increase the
quality of life of affected women (1 in 3). To date, sufferers have
had to make do with pads which are ineffective in treating the
condition, or resort to pills or surgery both of which can have
side effects.
17/3/11 16:00:45
 Marion Bernard - CEO of Northstar Ventures
(L-R) Stephen Price - Northstar Ventures &
Kris Wadrop - Solvert
Pelviva is proven to reduce leaks and provides an easy solution
to maintain the improvement over the long term. When
launched, the product aims to revolutionise how women
approach and treat bladder leakage. Pelviva’s objective is
to become a global brand by offering an effective treatment
that will allow thousands of women to overcome the suffering
and inconvenience caused by incontinence without having
to having to visit a health care professional. Pelviva has been
developed in the North East and will generate employment
within the region as the business grows. Originally known as
Femestim, the product has already secured awards in the
region, winning Healthcare Project of the Year in the 2010
Bionow awards.
The Finance for Business North East Proof of Concept Fund
Recite Me
Former Northumbria University Student Union president Ross
Linnett has secured £100,000 from the Finance for Business
North East Proof of Concept Fund to continue development of
software that helps dyslexic and visually-impaired web users.
Linnett’s Recite Me software allows users to adapt websites
to fit their particular preferences, translating text into more
legible fonts, changing the colour contrast and reading out the
content on the page.
Recite Me intercepts the page in a similar way to services such
as Google Translate, allowing users to alter sites to their tastes
from any computer, tablet or smartphone without installing
software. The innovative product could make a significant
difference to millions of people worldwide.
Recite Me has initially been developed for business markets,
allowing groups such as local authorities to use the product to
improve their accessibility. The product is also being developed
to benefit consumers and Linnett is planning to make the
software available across the globe.
NETWorks17.indd 17
Solvert
Teesside chemical sector expert Kris Wadrop aims to create
a £100m manufacturing plant on Teesside which can supply
renewable raw materials to local industry. The CEO of Solvert
Limited is establishing the UK’s first facility to produce chemicals
from organic waste such as leftover food. Solvert has drawn
up a four-stage plan which would see the plant operational
by 2015, and has taken the first step by raising around £170,000
for phase one. Northstar has backed Solvert’s ambitious plans
with £100,000 from its Finance for Business North East Proof of
Concept Fund.
The chemical sector uses millions of tonnes of butanol and
acetone globally every year, but they are currently produced
using crude oil. Solvert will use advanced biological fermentation
processes to produce renewable n-butanol, acetone, hydrogen
and electricity from wet biodegradable waste.
Solvert is currently developing the initial phase of its project, and
is receiving encouraging results from its smaller-scale testing of
the process at the CPI’s Sustainable Process Centre in Wilton.
Wadrop is Teesside born and bred and sees the area as the
place to build a chemical site in the UK. He has already
examined the possibility of moving into locations including
Billingham’s former ICI site, Tata Steel at Wilton and the Impetus
Reclamation site near Billingham. He says the project “has
the potential to provide 80 direct jobs, a couple of hundred
support jobs and provide sites on Teesside with the advantage
of having renewable raw materials on their doorstep.”
Northstar’s experienced and approachable team is always keen
to hear from innovative and creative entrepreneurs looking to
develop their businesses and succeed. Please contact:
Tel 0191 229 2770
enquiries@northstarventures.co.uk
www.northstarventures.co.uk
17
17/3/11 16:00:55
 NEW GENE TEST DISCOVERED
NEUROMUSCULAR DISORDER
Newcastle University scientists have identified a gene which will
allow rapid diagnosis and earlier treatment of a debilitating
neuromuscular condition.
The gene, GFPT1, is crucial in causing a variation of Congenital
Myasthenic Syndrome (CMS), a rare genetic condition
affecting the way signals travel between the brain and muscles
which can cause paralysis and in some cases death. It affects
one in every 500,000 births and the severity of the condition
varies, depending on where the fault lies in the signals between
the nerves and the muscles.
T he variation of CMS identified by the team of international
researchers tends to develop in the first ten years of life with
THE SCIENCE ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE
NETWorks17.indd 18
patients losing muscle strength and control in their hips and
shoulders or arms and legs.
 rofessor Hanns Lochmuller, of the Institute of Human Genetics
P
at Newcastle University, said: “The identification of this gene
means that doctors can order genetic analysis and confirm
the condition allowing earlier treatment with cholinesterase
inhibitors. This offers an effective therapy which can be taken
through life.”
The international team, headed up by Dr. Jan Senderek from
the University of Aachen in Germany and by Dr Juliane Müller
from Newcastle University, analysed the genes of 13 families
affected by the condition.
17/3/11 16:01:07
 L-R Bridget Kennedy, Audrey Colbeck, Sir
Prof Arnold Wolfendale, Steve Sproates,
Catherine Johns and Janet Rogers
ART OF SCIENCE
AT NETPARK
NETPark is proving that science is an art, with the unveiling of
new work created by local artists.
The North East Technology Park (NETPark) is now displaying the
work of three artists from across the region in its Incubator unit,
which is home to a host of growing science businesses.
The displays, which will remain on site for six months, were
unveiled on Thursday, March, 3, at an event opened by Sir
Arnold Wolfendale FRS, emeritus professor in the Department of
Physics at Durham University. The artwork, by Bridget Kennedy,
Steve Sproates and Janet Rogers, has been designed to link to
science, as well as enhancing the Incubator with eye-catching
displays. The artists’ work was chosen by NETPark tenants.
Catherine Johns, director of innovation at County Durham
Development Company (CDDC), which manages NETPark on
behalf of Durham County Council, said: “NETPark is already
home to a number of innovative science businesses that are
creating exciting new technology.
“To have the work of equally talented artists on display is a
great way of creating an inspiring environment, as well as
showcasing the skills and talent we have in this part of the
country.”
Sir Arnold, who has long been interested in the crossover
between science and art, said: “Art has a very important role
to play in the development of science. It gives a different view,
a different perspective.
NETWorks17.indd 19
“People are only just beginning to realise the interplay between
art and science, and I think it is very significant and interesting.
And there can be nowhere better to showcase the interplay
than here at NETPark.”
Janet Rogers is one of the artists whose work is being displayed
at the site. The self-taught glass maker, developed pieces from
fused glass, designed to look like circuit boards and stem cells.
The Durham-based artist, who has her own business, Crushed
Chilli, selling her work, said: “I wanted the pieces to link to
science, so each has been developed especially for NETPark,
with work that is designed to look like scientific tools and
components. I am delighted to have my work on display here
at NETPark.”
Another artist whose work is on display at NETPark is Bridget
Kennedy. She said: “When I start a piece work, I begin by
creating a set of rules and that becomes a system that I follow
through until I have developed a final piece.”
Steve Sproates, who is sponsored by Sir Arnold, has created
conceptual art pieces that are designed to represent scientific
theories.
He said: “I am interested in science and mysticism. I use
art to represent our knowledge and to make philosophical
statements about the world, where we came from and the
universe.”
19
17/3/11 16:01:26
 SENSING THE NEED
FOR INNOVATION
In today’s highly competitive marketplace innovation is often
the key to success. But with ever-expanding costs and the
current economic climate, finding a resource-efficient way
of maintaining this drive towards innovation is a hard goal to
achieve.
This is why many businesses are now looking at different ways
of maintaining this ‘innovation drive’. One of these ways is the
increasing number of industry–university collaborations and the
move towards a more ‘open innovation’ approach to business
development.
By tapping into the high quality expertise, research and facilities
at universities such as Teesside, businesses can gain huge
benefits. From research and development savings to idea
generation and access to a variety of technological resources,
the opportunities are far-reaching.
One company to benefit is Electrochemical Sensor
Technology (EST) Ltd, an SME based in County Durham, who
provide expertise in the research, development, design and
manufacture of high quality electrochemical sensors. With a
chemical sensor development facility they also provide a range
of electrochemical testing services.
EST recently introduced a new portable sensor to measure
ammonium ions (NH4+) dissolved in liquids. The sensor offers
significant technical and commercial advantages and uses a
disposable sensor probe for each measurement.
Following initial contact with Teesside University through their
Science 2 Business (S2B) Hub, EST realised the potential of
collaboration through the Hub to investigate the effect of
mechanical and electrochemical polishing of screen printed
electrodes. The S2B Hub is an industry-led partnership that drives
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NETWorks17.indd 20
to create projects and innovative solutions for science using
SMEs through a project part financed by the European Union
through the European Regional Development Fund 2007-13.
The S2B Hub utilised the University’s links with high quality
research, specifically expertise in screen printing and optical
microscopy, to help resolve some of EST’s initial problems.
Screen printed electrodes were used to detect analytes
from drinking water and dilute ammonia solution. The
sensor was used to characterise a number of noble metal
electrodes. Optical microscopy was used for visual surface
characterisation and determination of the noble metal
nanoparticle distribution in the electrode before and after
mechanical and electrochemical polishing.
The measurements of active area available for detection
demonstrated a high level of repeatability and robustness of the
electrode after several repeated measurements, showing only
negligible decrease in current.
Dr John Dobson, Technical Director of EST, said, ‘We were
delighted with the resources and expertise made available to
us through the University. As a result of the successful laboratory-
based activity, further collaboration with Teesside University is
planned to research and develop screen printed electrodes for
other sensor applications.’
To find out how the S2B Hub could help with your company’s
technological and innovation needs, email s2b@tees.ac.uk or
visit www.tees.ac.uk/s2b.
17/3/11 16:01:48
 N.E. LEADS THE WAY IN PLANNING
FOR AN AGEING POPULATION
Experts at Newcastle University have been selected to lead a
study into health and social care provision for the UK’s ageing
population.
Led by Professor Feng Li, of the University’s Business School, the
£2 million project will investigate how technologies and services
can help older people remain independent in their own homes
for longer.
 rofessor Li said: “Our current health and social care institutions
P
don’t have sufficient resources or capacity to keep up with our
growing ageing population. Demand on essential services is
rapidly increasing and this is something we really need to be
paying attention to. Unless we make some significant changes in
the next decade or so there are going to be serious problems.
 However, we are fortunate to have a great deal of new digital
“
technology at our fingertips which can create novel ways of
dealing with this issue at the same time as reducing pressure on
already stretched services.”
T he sustainable business models the team is working on are
expected to lead to new services that will save millions of
NETWorks17.indd 21
pounds a year and generate new business by putting into
practice what Professor Li’s refers to as ‘the i-Tunes effect’.
 e said: “Before i-Tunes came along the online music market
H
was in a real mess. Very few people were paying for music they
downloaded and there was no sustainable business model. It
not only reinvented the way online music makes money, but
also stopped it from being a fragmented market. This is the kind
of clarity we want to bring to assisted living technologies and
services.”
T he project follows a successful funding application to the
Government-backed Technology Strategy Board and the
University will spend the next three years working with partners
from the private, public and voluntary sectors to come up with
solutions.
 We have something very special here in the North East, with a
“
broad range of expertise that is not currently joined up,” said
Professor Li.
21
17/3/11 16:01:58
 DURHAM ON TRACK FOR HIGH
SPEED TRAIN BUILDING PROJECT
Durham is preparing to welcome back trainbuilding, after the
green light was given to a multi-billion pound project to bring
Hitachi to the county.
Transport Minister, Philip Hammond, gave the go ahead to
Hitachi’s £4.5bn plans to build a factory and manufacturing base
at Newton Aycliffe in March. The deal will secure 500 jobs in the
county, and potentially thousands more in the supply chain.
Work will begin on the site next year, and it is thought the
factory will be completed in 2013. Some 530 rail carriages
are expected to be built at the site, helping to transform the
country’s rail services.
The announcement on March 1 was made after months of
deliberation by the Government. It was estimated that the
original £6.5bn project would provide a £660m boost to the
North East economy over 30 years, a return of £48 for every £1
invested in the programme, with the scaled back £4.5bn project
still expected to deliver major economic benefits.
Responding to the news Stewart Watkins, managing director
of County Durham Development Company (CDDC), the
strategic investment arm of Durham County Council, said: “This
is undoubtedly one of the best pieces of news for the County
Durham economy for some time.
“In many ways, this is the perfect project for Newton Aycliffe
and the wider County Durham. It is bringing rail manufacturing
back to its birthplace, it will contribute significantly towards
rebalancing the economy, it is a significant inward investment
bringing a global company to the area, there is a strong
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NETWorks17.indd 22
commitment to apprenticeships and training as well as a hefty
positive knock-on effect on indirect jobs. Add to these the long-
term benefits of raised aspirations among young people and
the feelgood factor for the local community and you have a
recipe for sustained economic success for years to come.
The Government’s long awaited decision follows months of
campaigning by Sedgefield MP Phil Wilson, Durham County
Council and County Durham Development Company
(CDDC) to bring Hitachi to Durham. In November 2010,
Durham showcased assets including NETPark, Amazon Park
and DurhamGate to leading politicians, civil servants and
members of the business community at the event in the House
of Commons in an attempt to ensure that Transport Secretary
Phillip Hammond would press ahead with the plans.
The Westminster event, ‘Rebalancing County Durham’s
Economy’, allowed Durham council officials to talk to MPs and
civil servants about how the area would benefit from plans
to develop the sites, as well as showcasing the cutting edge
businesses that are already located in the county.
Alistair Dormer, managing director of Hitachi Rail Europe, spoke
of his “absolute delight” after hearing the announced that the
£4.5bn deal would go to the Hitachi-led Agility Trains consortium.
He said: “It’s been a long time coming, but we’ve always been
very confident in the product we were offering and the service
we were offering.
“This is the right thing for intercity services in the UK and we are
delighted to be establishing a manufacturing centre in the
North-East.”
17/3/11 16:02:16
 Training of the 500-strong workforce will start in 2014 and
manufacturing will begin in 2015.
He added: “We are hoping to include a research and
development area within the facility, jobs involved in the
design and engineering aspect of manufacturing trains and
semi-skilled jobs working on manufacturing jobs.
“We would encourage our supply chain to be near us very
similar to the success story of Nissan.”
Nissan has been a major success story for Sunderland and it
is hoped Hitachi will act as a similar stimulus for the Durham
economy. While the factory itself employs some 5,000 people, it
is thought that the Nissan supply chain has created as many as
10,000 North East jobs. It has a significant regional supply chain
including North East-based TRW and Hashimoto among others.
It was estimated, in a report commissioned by Hitachi, that the
IEP’s supply chain will support some 3,800 jobs among its direct
suppliers by 2016.
James Ramsbotham, chief executive of the North East
Chamber of Commerce has urged the region’s business
community to make sure that it takes advantage of the
opportunities that arise, when Hitachi begins seek suppliers.
Mr Ramsbotham said: “This is absolutely phenomenal news for
the region. This important announcement brings train building
back to the home of the railways which is testament to the skills
that we still have in this sector and the high-quality workforce
that will be assembled to deliver this work.
NETWorks17.indd 23
“We now have to bring together the businesses that will make
up the supply chain so it is not just the 500+ jobs that are on the
site but also the potentially thousands more that will support
the Hitachi plant. As we saw with Nissan, a home grown supply
chain based in the North East increases the economic benefits
exponentially and we need to be fit and ready to support
Hitachi in every way that we can.”
It is hoped that the decision could spearhead the growth
of the County Durham economy. Durham County Council
leader Simon Henig said that the Hitachi announcement was
a massive step in reversing the area’s economic decline, and
would help rebalance the county’s economy.
He said: “This go-ahead for train building to come back to the
cradle of the railways has been given after two years’ hard
work by the county council and others.
“At the start of the process we weren’t on the shortlist – we
weren’t even on the longlist. But we managed to beat
competition from 40 other locations across the country to be
the preferred site.
“It’s excellent news for Newton Aycliffe, County Durham and
the whole of the North East.”
He added: “This is a massive step in reversing Durham’s
economic decline. We will work hard to push it forward.”
23
17/3/11 16:02:34
 dis.tinc.tive [di-stingk-tiv]

- adjective
1. serving to distinguish; characteristic; distinguishing: the
distinctive stripes of the zebra.
2. having a special quality, style, attractiveness, etc.; notable.

- distinctively a. distinctiveness n.

7th Floor | Aidan House | Sunderland Road | Gateshead | NE8 3HU

T: 0191 478 83 00 | E: enquiries@distinctivegroup.co.uk

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NETWorks17.indd 24 17/3/11 16:02:49

 RESEARCHERS SUGGEST NEW
WAYS OF PROTECTING WILDLIFE
Countries will have to improve their co-operation if they are
to protect endangered wildlife in an age of climate change,
according to an international study.
A team of scientists have come up with a conservation index
designed to help policy-makers to deal with the effects of
climate change on birds in Africa, the theory of which could
help governments across the world as climate change forces
species to move to new areas.
An international research team led by Professor Brian Huntley
and Dr Stephen Willis of Durham, School of Biological and
Biomedical Sciences, Durham University, in North East England,
looked at how native African bird species will fare in 803
Important Bird Areas (IBAs) across the continent, if climate
change continues as predicted.
Birds are seen as a key indicator for conservationists because
they respond quickly to change and the research, funded
by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), and
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published in the journal Conservation Biology, suggests that
hundreds of bird species in Africa will become emigrants,
leaving one part of the continent for another in search of food
and suitable habitat.
Dr Willis said: “The bird map of Africa is set to change
dramatically and we need conservation policies that see the
bigger picture.
“There are large areas of Africa lacking protected status and
many of these areas are predicted to be critically important
for bird conservation in the future. We need to be ready to
protect remnant populations of birds while also preparing for
new colonists.
“We need to improve monitoring, communication and co-
operation to make protected areas work across borders.
Conservationists and policy makers will have to work together
in new ways as networks become increasingly important in
protecting species.”
25
17/3/11 16:02:53
NETWorks17.indd 26 17/3/11 16:02:59
 Stewart Watkins of CDDC, Stefan Przyborski
of Reinnervate and Chi Onwurah MP get to
to grips with the business’ innovative cell
culture technology
SCIENCE HOLDS
THE KEY FOR REGION
Science and technology could hold the key for the North
East’s economic growth, according to a North East shadow
minister.
Chi Onwurah, Newcastle Central MP, and shadow minister for
business, innovation and skills, thinks that the region’s growing
science sector could spearhead the resurgence of the
economy here, generating jobs for the future, and putting the
North East on the map nationally and internationally.
Ms Onwurah made the statement after visiting the North East
Technology Park (NETPark) in February. A number of tenants
from NETPark accompanied Ms Onwurah on her tour of
NETPark, giving her the chance to learn about the innovative
science and technology businesses based at the park. Due to
her background in engineering, Ms Onwurah is very interested
in the development of the technology sector.
She believes that the North East can learn from countries like
Germany, where the economy has bounced back on the
strength of its manufacturing industry.
“With the right support, I believe that the North East can
capitalise on its strengths in science, technology and
advanced manufacturing, and grow its economy.
“We have a large number of innovative and highly specialised
businesses in the region that are taking technology to new heights
and I believe that through support and promotion, something
NETPark is doing a fantastic job delivering for its businesses, we
can put the North East firmly on the technology map.”
NETWorks17.indd 27
She added: “Most people’s view of manufacturing resembles
the industry’s image 20 or 30 years ago.
“Many of the businesses I have seen here at NETPark, and at
sites like the Centre for Process Innovation, paint a very exciting
picture of modern manufacturing, and I believe that if we
remain at the sharp end of technology, we can unlock the
potential that exists in the region.”
Councillor Neil Foster, portfolio holder for regeneration and
economic development at Durham County Council, said:
“NETPark represents a key investment for Durham County
Council.
“We believe that we need to ‘grow our own’, and create
a culture in which businesses start up, develop and stay in
Durham and the North East and that is what NETPark is all
about.”
Stewart Watkins, Managing Director of County Durham
Development Company (CDDC), which manages NETPark on
behalf of Durham County Council, said: “It was a pleasure to
have Ms Onwurah at NETPark.
“Her role as shadow minister for business, innovation and
skills means that she remains very close to the sector and
understands the issues and priorities that businesses operating
in the field face. She clearly has a great deal of interest and
enthusiasm for science and technology and shares our view
that this could be one of the most important growth sectors for
the County and wider North East region.”
27
17/3/11 16:03:04
 RESEARCH THAT’S SIMPLY
OUT OF THIS WORLD
Many of the Milky Way’s ancient stars are remnants of other
smaller galaxies torn apart by violent galactic collisions
around five billion years ago, according to researchers at
Durham University.
Scientists at Durham’s Institute for Computational Cosmology and
their collaborators at the Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics, in
Germany, and Groningen University, in Holland, ran computer
simulations to recreate the beginnings of our galaxy.
The simulations revealed that the ancient stars, found in debris
surrounding the Milky Way, had been ripped from smaller
galaxies by the gravity generated by colliding galaxies.
Cosmologists predict that the early Universe was full of small
galaxies which led short and violent lives. These galaxies
collided with each other, leaving behind debris which
eventually settled into more familiar looking galaxies like the
Milky Way.
The researchers say their finding supports the theory that
many of the Milky Way’s ancient stars once belonged to other
galaxies instead of being the earliest stars born inside the
galaxy when it began to form ten billion years ago.
Lead author Andrew Cooper, from Durham University’s Institute
for Computational Cosmology, said: “Effectively, we became
galactic archaeologists, hunting out the likely sites where
ancient stars could be scattered around the galaxy.
THE SCIENCE ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE
NETWorks17.indd 28
“Our simulations show how different relics in the galaxy today,
like these ancient stars, are related to events in the distant past.
“Like ancient rock strata that reveal the history of Earth, the stellar
halo preserves a record of a dramatic primeval period in the life
of the Milky Way which ended long before the Sun was born.”
Professor Carlos Frenk, Director of Durham University’s Institute
for Computational Cosmology, said: “The simulations are a
blueprint for galaxy formation.
“They show that vital clues to the early, violent history of the
Milky Way lie on our galactic doorstep.
“Our data will help observers decode the trials and tribulations
of our galaxy in a similar way to how archaeologists work out
how ancient Romans lived from the artefacts they left behind.”
The research is part of the Aquarius Project, which uses the
largest supercomputer simulations to study the formation
of galaxies like the Milky Way. Aquarius was carried out
by the Virgo Consortium, involving scientists from the Max
Planck Institute for Astrophysics in Germany, the Institute for
Computational Cosmology at Durham University, UK, the
University of Victoria in Canada, the University of Groningen in
the Netherlands, Caltech in the USA and Trieste in Italy.
The research, funded in the UK by the Science and Technology
Facilities Council, appeared in the Monthly Notices of the Royal
Astronomical Society.
17/3/11 16:03:09
 CLEANING UP
THE OCEANS
A humble sea creature is being hailed as the possible solution T he sea cucumber project was unveiled as part of a marine
in the campaign to save the world’s oceans from pollution. conference at Newcastle University, marking the launch of
the marineNewcastle network, which will bring together the
Scientists at Newcastle University, working with colleagues
university’s expertise in marine science and technology to
in Africa, say the sea cucumber is important because it is
address challenges facing the marine environment.
responsible for cleaning up the sea bed by consuming and
mixing marine sediments. Until now, the team has carried out most of its work at Newcastle
University’s Dove Marine Laboratory but the next step will be to
 owever, the animal is used widely in Chinese medicine
H
introduce sea cucumbers to fish farms around the UK.
and cuisine because it is a rich source of glucosamine and
chondroitin which are used in a range of common food  s well as looking at the potential for farming sea cucumbers
A
supplements. in the UK, the team – including marine biology student Camilla
MacDonald – is leading a major aquaculture project in
 atural stocks of sea cucumbers are now seriously depleted
N
Tanzania where animals are being grown in lagoon-based
around the world but at Newcastle University, a team led
cages in a hatchery built for producing juveniles to support a
by Professor Selina Stead is investigating how to use them to
growing industry.
develop a more sustainable way of farming in the sea.
 rofessor Stead, former President of the European Aquaculture
P
 r Matthew Slater, an expert in sea cucumbers and part of
D
Society, said: “One of the key aims of the project is to find
Professor Stead’s team, said the aim was to investigate the sea
solutions for developing community-led aquaculture in East
cucumber’s potential as a natural cleaner on fish farms around
Africa as a way of tackling poverty. Sea cucumbers are fairly
the world.
simple to farm, they just require clean water and plenty of food
 r Slater said: “We wanted to find a way to clean up waste
D in the form of nutrient-rich waste.
produced by large-scale aquaculture so that farming activities
 Man’s impact on the sea has escalated in recent decades
“
in the sea have little or no impact on the ocean floor. By
and it is vital we work quickly to try to reverse some of the
growing sea cucumbers on waste from fish farms, we are not
problems we have caused. Key species of sea cucumbers are
only farming a valuable food product and giving the wild
already dangerously close to extinction unless we pull back
sea cucumber populations a chance to recover, we are also
now and give them a chance to recover.”
developing solutions to fish farming impacts.”

29

NETWorks17.indd 29 17/3/11 16:03:15

 BREAKING THAT
AWKWARD SILENCE
It’s that awkward moment that we all know. There you are,
sitting in a bar with on a first date and you do not know what to
say. Well, worry no more because now your bar mat can break
the ice for you.
A group of computer scientists from Newcastle University have
developed a way of using an interactive bar surface and
camera-based technology which means specially-designed
mats can communicate.
When the mats are placed on the bar they ‘chat’ to each
other in the form of text messages - the words scrolling across
the surface like television news bulletins. The aim is that what
they say will prompt conversation between those at the table.
The mats were developed by PhD students from the university’s
Culture Lab with the system being built by Tom Bartindale and
Jack Weeden.
Tom said: “The idea is that the mats gain a personality when
placed on the bar - some are funny, some are naughty, some
are scared of other mats and some are out to talk to everyone.
“This is a twist on meeting new people in a public space. I think
most of us feel quite self-conscious and uncomfortable about
starting a conversation with a stranger so what our mat does is
make that first move and also provides a talking point.”
THE SCIENCE ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE
NETWorks17.indd 30
Tom says the group first came up with the idea while they were
sat in a bar in Germany.
He said: “We were looking around at all these isolated groups
and started thinking about how we could get them talking to
each other. The interactive beer mats started off as a bit of
fun and then we realised their potential for bringing people
together.”
The technology works by using cameras to sense the positions
of traditional beer mats that have been printed with markers on
their underside.
The conversation starters have been drawn from phrases
including humorous chat up lines, serious questions and light-
hearted banter. When a drink mat is removed, other mats will
comment on this, and encourage conversation with new “un-
known” mats.
Tom said: “In general, technology tends to kill conversation
and trigger quite anti-social behaviour – we bury ourselves in
our text messaging, iPods or computer screens and never even
look up to see who’s standing next to us.
“The focus of our work is to use technology to encourage
interaction and relationships. We want these very public text
messages to break the ice and make people laugh.”
17/3/11 16:03:26
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