GTS is urging the glass supply chain to take full advantage of the range of major funding opportunities open to them – thanks to a number of UK and EU grants. The GTS team welcomes inquiries about research and development partnerships and grant providers in this respect.
Independent research and development, consultancy and testing facility, Glass Technology Services Ltd. (GTS), is urging the glass supply chain to take full advantage of the range of major funding opportunities open to them – thanks to a number of UK and EU grants.
With its grant funding in the past two years topping GBP 3.6 million and grant applications achieving an astounding 100% success rate, GTS is keen to develop more innovative projects and partnerships.
“Our extensive experience and specialist knowledge in glass has enabled us to develop some highly successful knowledge and technology transfer partnerships and we’re continually looking to extend these further with new partners, networks and project opportunities,” said GTS Innovation Director, Dr Malcolm Glendenning.
“Our specialist experience, extensive supply-chain and academic networks, mean we can offer advice on the variety of funding sources available from commercial organisations, government bodies and institutions and can assist in the writing of grant proposals. We have an excellent track record of securing grant funding for innovation, market studies and other research. Our established reputation and global network of academic and commercial partners across a wide range of sectors, enables us to quickly pull together world-class consortia of experts and commercial partners.”
Glendenning said the GTS team would welcome any inquiries about research and development partnerships and grant providers and highlighted just a handful of key funding opportunities available:
•Innovation Vouchers: funded by Innovate UK, the national innovation agency and the new name for the Technology Strategy Board, these funding vouchers aim to encourage and enable UK-based small and medium sized businesses to look outside their current network for new expertise, providing funding awards to cover up to GBP 5,000 of research with approved suppliers they have not worked with before.
•Smart Grants: awarded by Innovate UK they target micro, small and medium-sized businesses, to support innovative research and development projects in science, engineering or technology, which could lead to successful new products, processes or services. Grants range from GBP 25,000 to GBP 250,000 and businesses can typically receive up to 60% of funding towards project costs.
•Horizon 2020: the biggest ever EU Research and Innovation programme, with nearly €80 billion of funding available during 2014-2020.
GTS can also provide advice and consultancy for the glass industry on a range of funding available to improve energy efficiency and competitiveness, including Enhanced Capital Allowances, with tax rebates for energy efficient equipment, the EU Sustainable Industry Low Carbon Initiative, the UK Energy Efficiency Investments Fund, Green Deal for Business and CO2Sense.
GTS provides analysis, consultancy, testing and research and development support throughout the glass supply chain and beyond – from raw materials to the end consumer. GTS prides itself on its confidentiality and independence and is accredited to ISO 9001, 14001 and 17025 standards.