University celebrates award success

Clare Rowe, who works at Wednesbury-based Rozone, is the fourth associate in recent years to win a Business Leader of Tomorrow award through a KTP programme with the University of Wolverhampton.

Clare is one of only five graduates chosen from over 1,000 nationally to be recognised by the Government led KTP programme for having demonstrated exceptional leadership skills. A Knowledge Transfer Partnership lasts between one and three years and involves the employment of a recent high-calibre graduate to work on a project of strategic importance to the company.

Clare’s two-year placement aimed to develop innovative products and aid the company’s move into new markets. Rozone supply biodegradable cleaning solutions and had previously depended on a supplier based in the USA. Through the KTP with Clare and the assistance of the School of Applied Sciences, the company has been able to develop several new products, and acquisition of a complementary company based in Deeside will enable the bulk of production to move to a more efficient, quality controlled site. Clare finished her KTP in February and is now employed by the company as Technical Services and Quality Manager.

Clare Rowe said: “I am delighted to have won a Business Leader of Tomorrow Award. The Knowledge Transfer Partnership at Rozone has allowed me to develop skills and capabilities and has given me the opportunity to play a key role in the development of the Deeside site.”

Paul Owen, joint Managing Director said: "The Knowledge Transfer Partnership between Rozone and the University of Wolverhampton has enabled the company to further develop its own product range and significantly increase business. The support of the School of Applied Sciences at the University has added to staff knowledge and expertise in microbiological and chemical products which has led to an increase in sales."

Further information

Photo: Clare Rowe with Graham Spittle, Chairman of the Technology Strategy Board and IBM’s Vice President of Software for UK, Ireland and South Africa

For media inquiries, contact Vickie Woodward in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322736 or 07973 335112 .

For more information, please contact the Competitiveness Centre on: 0800 068 5023 email: competitiveness-centre@wlv.ac.uk  or website www.competitiveness-centre.co.uk

Each Partnership receives financial support from the Knowledge Transfer Partnerships programmes (KTP). KTP aims to help businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills that reside within the UK Knowledge Base. KTP is funded by the Technology Strategy Board along with the other government funding organisations.