New product design partnership with Sheffield Hallam University graded oustanding

The university has collaborated with Equi-Trek, based in Stocksbridge, over the last two years, to develop small new horseboxes and trailers for the North American market.

The Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) was graded outstanding by a panel of independent assessors appointed by Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) - the national funding agency investing in science and research in the UK.

A KTP enables a business to bring in new skills and the latest academic thinking to deliver a specific, strategic innovation project through a knowledge-based partnership.

The knowledge transfer was applied to the development of a small horsebox for the North American market in line with the company's strategic aim of expanding into these global markets.

With over 30 models, they have widely established export markets making them the largest horsebox/trailer manufacturer in the UK.

Tom Janion, managing director of Equi-Trek said: “The KTP was a great success for which we are already reaping the benefits.

" The project has helped Equi-Trek to enter new horseboxes into diverse markets, establishing long term benefits to the business and increasing market shares both domestically and overseas.”

Anthony Jones, principal industrial designer at Design Futures and academic supervisor for the KTP said: “The KTP was a fantastic experience, a great way for academic staff to interact with companies, to develop their knowledge of different sectors to further understand current industry practice.

“This successful KTP has reinforced the role that the university has in the region’s manufacturing and wider business community, and contributes to the University strategy, specifically our ‘Leading locally and engaging globally’ initiative.”

Professor Paul Chamberlain, lead for the KTP said: “The project contributes to the university’s focus on ‘local and global’.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.