< Previousbmta.co.uk 30 Bad data leads to bad decisions, good data with known quality will lead to good decisions enhanced by a known margin of system performance. At NPL we use uncertainty of measurement to characterise a measurement, this provides us not only with a value from a measurement that can be used to represent some part of the performance of the parameter being measured, but also information on how good the measurement was (the range in which the true value lies). A smaller uncertainty of measurement gives the potential for the tighter control of a system (assuming it is capable of tighter control) which could result in more consistent performance. However, just knowing the uncertainty of measurements allows a much better understanding of how well a system is performing. In reality, most systems including complex machines will generate many pieces of data from multiple sensors, possibly at a fast rate. Using appropriate sensors with known levels of performance, measured values along with calculated bmta.co.uk 31 uncertainties of measurements will allow this data to be combined to understand the system’s performance along with total uncertainty of measurement. The data coming from the sensors could also be used to predict current and future machine drift and fault conditions (predictive maintenance). In order to gain a deeper understanding of machine performance using the data generated we could turn to machine learning and generate a model of the machine which we could test with actual machine data as well as virtual data sets. Having an appropriate model will allow us to test different settings, the use of alternative sensors (lower uncertainty or lower cost for example) to achieve the desired outcome. It would also allow us to test alternative machine set-ups, the effects of different environmental conditions or allow us to reverse engineer the data to tweak sensor capability to reduce machine variability (targeting the sensor uncertainty with the greatest effect on the whole system). The combination of machine manufacturers with many years of experience and researchers with leading-edge facilities and knowledge will result in an acceleration of innovation in machinery and robotics to help the UK to make great strides in the production of the next- generation products and services.32 bmta.co.uk A4I KEEPS SUPPORTING UK BUSINESSES: WATER MANAGEMENT AND WOUND TREATMENT CASE STUDIES Ana Sousa, Marketing and Communications Executive, LGC Innovation means introducing something new or different. The successful introduction of new ideas, devices or methods is important for businesses to improve their processes, products and services to the market. Analysis for Innovators (A4I) is a programme led by Innovate UK that enables innovation and improves productivity and competitiveness for UK businesses through solving existing measurement analysis problems. A4I provides companies access to world-leading scientists and research facilities, through partnerships with the National Measurement System laboratories (National Measurement Laboratory (NML)) at LGC, National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and National Engineering Laboratory (NEL) and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). The funding partners run some of the most advanced measurement and analytical technologies available in the world. The programme builds successful relationships between science institutions and UK companies. It attracts and engages companies, particularly SMEs, that have not undertaken R&D before or have not previously had the ability to access measurement and analysis expertise and facilities. The programme is now on its sixth round and, so far, has funded more than 130 projects. This year A4I partners are focused on working with SME businesses from across the UK delivering real-world impact. Evaluation of the programme has shown that over 80% of companies have greatly or moderately increased their commercial opportunity as a result of their A4I project. Companies involved in the programme expect sales, licensing and cost reductions of up to £125 million as a result of working with the National Measurement System laboratories and the STFC. Companies report 19 full-time equivalent jobs created and 312 full-time equivalent jobs are expected to be created within the five years following projects. Project areas can cover very different topics, such as bioscience development, consumer products and wearable technology. Following are two examples of successfully funded projects: This year’s applications closed recently, and the successful applicants will be notified in November, with the new projects starting in 2022. NML at LGC is looking forward to working on the new projects that will lead to new opportunities to help UK business. Puraffinity The pollution of water supplies is a global risk of the highest concern that can adversely affect human health. One group of contaminants are poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that can cause significant environmental damage to freshwater and marine fauna, contaminating surface and groundwaters that supply drinking water. They have been associated with a host of health effects, including cancer, liver damage, decreased fertility and increased risk of asthma and thyroid disease. Puraffinity, a company that specialises in designing and manufacturing novel advanced materials for environmental benefit, have developed a new class of targeted adsorbent media to selectively capture PFAS for commercial water purification applications. Using NML at LGC’s mass spectrometry expertise (LC-MS and UVVis), Puraffinity has accurately characterised the molecular receptor structure that binds the target molecules and developed methods to give insight into the complex reaction monitoring process. This helps Puraffinity to make product formulation improvements to improve performance and also generates data to support certification of the product for drinking water applications, a critical step to accelerating their route to product validation and commercialisation. “Through the A4I project, we tapped into world-leading characterisation data with high data integrity, allowing us to scale up UK based manufacturing to the tonne/ year scale and significantly improve our new product development cycles.” – Puraffinity. Smith + Nephew Patients with chronic or acute wounds, such as diabetic ulcers, burns and post-operative wounds, need advanced wound care to help reduce infection and improve healing. With an ageing population that is more prone to chronic illnesses, and where natural healing processes are slower and less efficient, wound care is becoming ever more important. NML is working closely with Smith + Nephew (S+N), a global medical devices company, to support the development of their novel wound treatment products. Using NML’s unique mass spectrometry capabilities (spICP-MS, A4FICP-MS), the collaboration has provided invaluable data for material characterisation and stability studies of the nanomaterials in the wound dressing. This work will support S+N to comply with EU and FDA regulatory requirements and to reduce the human and economic cost of wounds, improving patient outcomes and conserving resources for health systems. About the National Measurement Laboratory The National Measurement Laboratory (NML), hosted at LGC, delivers underpinning chemical and bio-measurement science for the UK and forms part of the UK National Measurement System (NMS). The NML is the Designated Institute for chemical and bio-measurement and supports the work of the Government Chemist, a unique statutory function that provides expert opinion and advice to Government. Our research areas span the sectors of advanced therapeutics, diagnostics and safety and security and are delivered through the four core streams of measurement research, calibration facilities, reference materials, and training and consultancy. Measurement capabilities comprise state-of-the-art mass spectrometry, PCR and cell characterisation of products and processes, with many testing and calibration services accredited to ISO/IEC 17025. We play a leading role internationally to develop best practice and standardise measurements across the world, in turn providing further confidence in the UK’s science and technology capabilities. Through improved chemical and bio-measurements we support manufacture and trade, protect consumers, further skills development and enhance quality of life. About LGC LGC is a leading, global life science tools company, providing mission-critical components and solutions into high-growth application areas across the human healthcare and applied market segments. Its high-quality product portfolio is comprised of mission-critical tools for genomic analysis and for quality assurance applications, which are typically embedded and recurring within our customers’ products and workflows and are valued for their performance, quality and range. LGC’s tools play a key role in customer workflows from discovery applications through to commercial manufacture and enable its customers to bring new diagnostics and therapies to market; to progress research and development; to optimise food production; and to continuously monitor and enhance the quality of food, the environment and consumer products. LGC’s 175+ years of scientific heritage, combined with a track record of innovation and value-enhancing acquisitions, has enabled the company to build its product portfolio and expertise, and develop deep relationships with customers, industry partners and the global scientific community. LGC’s core purpose of Science for a safer world and its core values of passion, curiosity, integrity, brilliance and respect, drive its culture. As of 30 June 2021, it employs 4,350 employees, of which over 1,175 employees hold PhD and/or master’s degrees. Its products and services are delivered by highly qualified and experienced teams, operating from a global network of accredited sites that showcase its scientific and manufacturing capabilities. For more information, please visit lgcgroup.com bmta.co.uk 33bmta.co.uk BMTA COUNCIL MEMBER PROFILE DR GAVIN DAVIES 34 Our feature on our BMTA Council Members gives a little more insight into the people behind BMTA. We ask why did they become BMTA Council members and what do they believe are the benefits to being a member of the Association? Can you briefly describe what your role at the BMTA is? GD – I head up the global marketing communications department for the Schauenburg Analytics Ltd group of companies, which includes Markes International and SepSolve Analytical. This involves all areas of communications, from event organisation, public relations activities, content marketing and traditional advertising through to all aspects of digital marketing. How long have you been working in your field? GD – I have been in the commercial world for 30 years. Following University and some post-doctoral research, I started working in sales and marketing within the private sector for an American scientific instrument manufacturer. What do you think is your biggest accomplishment in your career? GD – I consider my biggest accomplishments to come from my career as a marketer. Winning two CIM Wales Canmol marketing awards for a new product introduction is one of them. I’m also very proud to have been elected as a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) several years ago, which the Institute only confers on its most senior strategic marketers. I was equally thrilled to have been appointed as Chair of the CIM Wales Board and promote professional marketing in Wales. In 2020 I was honoured to be asked to sit on the Board of Trustees and assist a charity that supports those living with dementia and their families, the Forget-me-not Chorus. The charity required marketing support and experience to enable it to continue to grow and deliver its service through the Covid-19 pandemic; to expand its traditional face-to-face service to a digital offering. Gavin is Group Head of Communications at Schauenburg Analytical, which comprises Markes International and its sister company, SepSolve Analytical. We asked him to tell us a little about himself. bmta.co.uk 35 How did you get to where you are now? What was your career journey? GD – I gained a first-class BSc (Hons) and PhD degrees in chemistry from Cardiff University, undertook post-doctoral research at King’s College, London, and later studied Digital Marketing at the University of South Wales. Following my post-doctoral work in London (where I also studied opera singing at the Royal Academy of Music), I reached a fork in my career: join Scottish Opera chorus as a full-time opera singer, or to stay within science and move into the commercial world. To cut a long story short, I went into international sales and marketing for Isco, Inc, an American laboratory instrument manufacturer. This was fantastic because it involved an awful lot of international travel and learning much about sales and marketing. What a wonderful education! From there I went to head up Sales and Marketing at Jones Chromatography, before moving into a Sales and Marketing position at Argonaut Technologies, when the company acquired Jones. In 2005 I moved to Markes International firstly as Commercial Manager and then as Marketing Manager. Three years ago, I moved into the Group Head of Communications role at Schauenburg Analytics Ltd. Why did you join BMTA? What value do you receive as a member of BMTA? GD – Markes gets a lot of value from being a member of the BMTA. From representing the Association on BSI committees through to networking opportunities. Being kept up to date with industry news and trends is also extremely useful. What value do you receive as a member of BMTA? GD – Networking with other measurement and testing laboratories and the ability to engage in dialogue with Government Departments and UKAS. I also value the news and information, and technical discussions including webinars, seminars and workshops. You’re a member of the BMTA Council. When and why did you join the Council? GD – I joined Council in 2015. Personally, I wanted to be able to assist with the marketing of the Association and promote the field of metrology. What else can you tell us about yourself? GD – Beyond my activities as a marketer, and the charity work previously mentioned, I have also been involved as the Treasurer of a Cardiff-based Scout group for the last eight years. I didn’t completely turn my back on a career in the entertainment sector! As a professional opera singer, I’ve been freelancing for 30 years, working with many opera companies and choral societies up and down the country. Since 2006, I’ve worked with the extra chorus of the Welsh National Opera appearing in many shows. Some notable ones have included a West End debut in Der fliegende Holländer (with Sir Bryn Terfel); Janáček’s From the House of the Dead at the International Janáček festival in Brno, Czech Republic; and Tristan und Isolde at the Usher Hall as part of the Edinburgh International Festival. Finally, I’m a member of the local golf club and play (very badly) at the weekends when the weather is favourable! Thanks for the insight Gavin!bmta.co.uk 36 If you are reading this newsletter and would like to become a member of the BMTA, please send an email to enquiries@bmta.co.uk, requesting a membership application pack. Enquiries about associate and individual membership should also be addressed to enquiries@bmta.co.uk. Membership of the Association is open to all organisations in the measurement, testing and calibration industry. We encourage senior people in organisations to become individual members, and organisations to become corporate members. BECOME A MEMBER Our membership fees are based on the size of your organisation making it affordable to the smallest company. Corporate membership starts from just £263 + VAT. Please enquire for individual membership subscriptions. DEDICATED TRADE LISTING Build your brand credibility and trust from our dedicated trade listing. KEEP YOUR FINGER ON THE PULSE Help your business stay ahead of the game by receiving full access to the regular updates on the latest industry news and information. INFORMATION AND INSIGHT Access to surveys, reports, forecasts, market information, whitepapers and the latest guidelines that may impact upon your business and industry. NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES Share ideas, ask questions and play a role in determining changes and new processes in the industry. Continue your education and development with seminars, workshops and classes to help you learn and grow in your profession. BECOME AN ACTIVE MEMBER Have the potential to influence legislation that affects the industry and help lobby lawmakers and sway public opinion more positively. DISCOUNTED TRAINING AND EDUCATION Receive up to 20% discount with the UK’s most accurate tender alert service - Tenders Direct, who read and categorise every public sector tender in the UK, ROI and OJEU to ensure their service delivers accurate and relevant opportunities for your business. FREE GOVERNMENT FUNDING ADVICE Helping you access Government funding in the form of tax incentives and reliefs such as R&D Tax Credits, Capital Allowances, Patent Box and Grants. DISCOUNTED DELL PRODUCTS AND SERVICES Receive up to 20% discount off laptops, desktops and accessories. Plus, free access to Dell’s highly trained Small Business Technology Advisors to help grow your business. DISCOUNTED HR AND EMPLOYMENT LAW SUPPORT Delivered in partnership with Make UK Legal Services, your membership can give you access to your own team of employment law solicitors, barristers and HR professionals at a fraction of the usual price. BSI DEVELOPMENT NOTICES AND COMMITTEE ACCESS Get the opportunity to represent us on BSI technical committees that you might not otherwise have access to. By giving you an insight into future changes that may impact your business, BMTA will encourage you to make your voice heard and your views known in the standards making process, both nationally and internationally. WHY JOIN? Here are some of the things BMTA can do for you: 2021 MEMBERSHIP FEES ARE: Associate (individual) - £126 + VAT Fewer than 7 employees or partners - £263 + VAT 8 - 24 employees or partners - £474 + VAT 25 - 250 employees or partners - £823 + VAT 250+ employees or partners - £1,043 + VAT An admin fee of £50 + VAT for all new joiners.MEMBER NOTICES AND EVENTS bmta.co.uk 37 NEXT GENERATION MACHINERY: AMPI – A NEW INITIATIVE Tuesday 9th November 2021 at 3:30pm https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/next-generation-machinery-ampi-a-new-initiative-tickets-170416444172 Hear from industrialists, academics and researchers involved in the Advanced Machinery and Productivity Institute (AMPI) about the aims and objectives of this innovative programme. Speakers will share their ambitions to grow the UK machine, robotics and automation manufacturing sector to create skilled jobs and bring income to the UK economy. MEASUREMENTS FOR CYCLING 8th February 2022 at 3:30pm https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mmn-measurements-for-cycling-event-tickets-166024119611 NPL supports a very broad range of industries, one of which is cycling and the manufacture of bicycles. This event will present case studies about how better measurement has been able to help in improving products and the performance of these cycling related products. MEASUREMENT FOR OUR PLANET Tuesday 7th December 2021 at 3:30pm https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/measurement-for-our-planet-tickets-169123782787 Hear about the Measurement for our Planet programme which will shine a spotlight on our work in delivering solutions for climate science, emissions measurements and showcase how we are supporting the innovation that will drive the decarbonisation of power, heat, manufacturing, agriculture and transport. FUTURE SUPPLY CHAIN Tuesday 25th January 2022 at 3:30pm https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mmn-future-supply-chain-event-tickets-163179475203 What will Primes and higher tier suppliers in the manufacturing supply chain demand in the future and how do we meet these demands? Hear from speakers about reshoring and developing the supply chain with case studies on how organisations have been successful. bmta.co.uk HELP US TO HELP YOU Contribute to the BMTA newsletter... To help us research and plan the most relevant and useful information for BMTA members we would like your help to identify and share relevant topics, research on new technologies, techniques, news, events and publications you think may be of interest or promote to your fellow BMTA member community. Send your article to: editor@bmta.co.uk with a short synopsis and an image and brief biography of the author. 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