NCC - Innovating for Industry

27/09/2024

"We always have a choice about how we go forward."

Staff at the NCC were treated to a motivating and inspiring talk from Paralympic canoe champion Emma Wiggs MBE this week as part of our celebrations. We even got to see the two medals Emma won in hashtag up close!

We've been working with Emma for a few years, and some of our early careers engineers - led by Jacob Holmes and James Rayson - helped Emma's boat go faster in Paris by developing an optimised seat for her. https://bit.ly/NCCEmmaWiggs

We're looking forward to LA2028 already!

24/06/2024

👩‍🔬 We’re incredibly proud to have the brilliant Hannah Swinbourne, Research Engineer and Co-lead of the Women’s Led Network at the National Composites Centre being featured in a Business West blog celebrating the impact of International Women in Engineering Day (INWED).

Gain insights into what Hannah and other such inspiring engineers have to say about why matters, what having a career in looks like, and how they continue to champion in the field.

Thanks to for the fantastic story:
https://www.businesswest.co.uk/blog/recognising-engineers-bristol-initiative-international-women-engineering-day

Some of our Bristol Initiative members from the NCC, Arup and Santec have joined us in celebrating International Women in Engineering Day, sharing their stories and experiences.

21/06/2024

Our 🌈 celebrations continued with a colourful bake sale, raising money for OTR Bristol Freedom, a local youth programme that provides a safe and supportive space for young people aged 11-25 who are LGBTQIA+ or are exploring their gender and sexuality.

Thank you to all our wonderful bakers, and those who enjoyed sampling their efforts! You can support the important work OTR Bristol do here https://bit.ly/NCCPride

21/06/2024

As part of our 🌈 celebrations, the NCC’s PRIDE+ Allies affinity network hosted an insightful and inspiring morning, discussing allyship in the workplace and championing change.

James Child, former English rugby league referee, and Rob Hurley, Head of Architecture and Integration A350 & A380 Landing Gear and Co-chair of Pride@Airbus shared their experiences of being empowered to be their authentic selves at work, the need for ongoing awareness, and the ways in which allyship can help cultivate a safe workplace environment for the LGBTQIA+ community.

James and Rob were joined for a panel discussion by Karen Green, Chief People & Skills Officer at HVM Catapult and Richard Hooper, NCC’s Director of Engineering & Manufacturing, moderated by Katy Riddington, Chief Portfolio Officer. Along with answering some thought-provoking questions from the audience, the panel each shared the one thing they think someone can do to make a difference:

• Be prepared to ask and learn, and don’t be afraid you’ll get it wrong.
• Do your research and look at the data – don’t believe everything you read.
• Try to use neutral language (e.g. partner instead of husband/wife if you're not sure of someone's sexual orientation).
• Be prepared to challenge poor behaviour - both in work and social situations - it's not just the responsibility of LGBT people to speak up.
• Take ownership of your privilege, and use it to help ensure everyone is heard.

Thank you to everyone who attended, especially our fantastic speakers and panel – it was a powerful reminder of how we all have a part to play in fostering an inclusive workplace.

02/05/2024

💭 Have the last four months seemed to whizz by?

🎯 The National Composites Centre's is here to catch you up on all you may have missed, and help you coordinate your calendar for what’s in store.

📰 Expect the latest , thought-provoking pieces, , and details of our professional opportunities available in the coming months.

➡ Read it now: https://www.nccuk.com/news/NCC-Newsletter-Issue-9

01/05/2024

Research Engineer, Ahmad Sheikh recently dedicated a day at Oldfield School in Bath, participating in a careers event aimed at showcasing , and opportunities to students from year 7 to sixth form. 🏫 🔬 ⚙

With genuine enthusiasm for inspiring the next generation, Ahmad is making a lasting impact on . So far in 2024 we have engaged directly with 390 students, and counting! 👩‍🔬 👨‍💻

To learn more about the National Composites Centre STEM engagement work visit: https://www.nccuk.com/work-with-us/stem-with-the-ncc/

Or email us at [email protected]

06/03/2024

🎥We are delighted to have played a role in the launch of the West of England Local Action Plan. Below, you can watch the highlights video from the launch event.

We are particularly proud to highlight the contributions of Apprentice Machinist Benjamin Edmonds and Research Engineer Emma Burns, who shared insights at this event about our work and its impact.

27/02/2024

🙌 Exciting update from the West of England!

We're delighted to have supported the launch of the West of England Local Action Plan, a collaboration between Innovate UK and the West of England Combined Authority. Launched here at the National Composites Centre in , the plan was unveiled by Indro Mukerjee, CEO of Innovate UK, and Metro Mayor Dan Norris. The event kicked off with inspiring and uplifting speeches by our very own Apprentice Machinist, Benjamin Edmonds and Research Engineer, Emma Burns 👏

The National Composites Centre is a world leading UK research and development facility that provides access to state-of-the-art engineering capabilities and technology. Collaborating to address the most complex engineering challenges of our time, we accelerate the development of new products across advanced materials, digital engineering, sustainability and hydrogen.

💡 Learn more about the West of England Local Action Plan here:
https://iuk.ktn-uk.org/innovation-in-action/

🚀 Boosting Innovation in the West of England

Indro Mukerjee, CEO of Innovate UK, and Metro Mayor Dan Norris launched the new Local Action Plan to regional innovation leaders at the National Composites Centre in Bristol.

The Local Action Plan further strengthens the collaboration between Innovate UK and the West of England Combined Authority, to unleash the full potential of the region's innovation ecosystem.

Jointly, we will target support and connections for businesses and key regional capabilities, including:

🔬 Accelerating the development of advanced materials and manufacturing.

✈️ Supporting local aerospace and wider industries on the journey to net zero.

🧠 Enabling digital transformation through regional strengths in AI, cyber, Quantum, telecommunications, and the creative industries.

💉 Bringing groundbreaking health innovations in diagnostics, medical technologies, precision medicines and advanced therapeutics to market.

The Action Plan focuses on 3 key areas:

💪 Cultivating strategic partnerships to maximise local strengths, align national agencies and local partners, and strengthen relationships with Higher Education Institutes and SMEs.

🎯 Tailoring approaches to meet the needs of SMEs in the region, creating co-investment opportunities, and igniting inclusive innovation through initiatives like the No Limits programme.

🤝 Aligning communication methods to reach and inspire more entrepreneurs, launch innovation events, amplify the work of the Growth Hub, and foster connections within the regional ecosystem.

This new Local Action Plan sets a roadmap of support for the local business ecosystem, with a commitment to shape the future of innovation in the region for years to come.

Learn more about the Local Action Plan and more here: https://ow.ly/ivRY50QI99u

Digital Catapult | Compound Semiconductor Applications (CSA) Catapult | MyWorld - Bristol Bath | Science Creates | West of England Growth Hub