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Case Study
Marine Systems Technology view
EC Contract Division awarded NWDA Grant for Research and Development
5th February 2009
The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) has awarded a £250,000 Grant for Research and Development (GRAND) to EC Contract Division for the delivery of an innovative impact protection clothing system to protect 'at risk' workers against blunt trauma and ballistic impact damage.
Based in Manchester's green quarter, EC Contract Division is a supplier to high street fashion retailers, supermarkets and sporting organisations. The company specialises in brand management and customised solutions that are specific to each client's individual needs.
The company has a strong management team in the UK and overseas who work to identify solutions to specific problems. The research and development currently being carried out is for a garment system which is focused on the needs of security conscious markets, such as the police, emergency services, traffic wardens, security companies, protection agencies.
The proposed garment which has patents pending will consist of a flexible, lightweight, breathable muscle supporting material into which are inserted a number of strategically located trauma shields that will absorb high levels of impact force so preventing / minimising traumatic injury to the wearer.
The suit would help absorb the fatigue-inducing trauma shock and vibration that the body and muscles absorb during repetitive collision and impact. It would help support muscles during repetitive use and aid the removal of lactic acid, enhance circulation and add increased oxygen flow.
The project involves research to develop three main components of the impact protection system, these being the trauma shield, the trauma shield suit and the ballistic shield suit.
Mark Hughes, Executive Director of Economic Development at the NWDA said:
"The NWDA has an important role to play during the current economic climate to ensure Northwest businesses are able to maintain their competitive edge, leading the way in terms of research and development. Innovation is critical to the economic development of the region; ensuring vital sectors remain productive.
"The Directors at EC Contact Division have an ambitions outlook and are committed to the project, as demonstrated by the initial feasibility work that has been carried out in conjunction with Police Officers, who have been heavily involved from the offset."
England's Northwest has arguably the highest concentration of Advanced Flexible Materials (AFM) companies in the world, with excellent prospects for future growth. AFM Materials are widely viewed as a 'platform technology' - a base upon which several other important clusters such as aerospace, automotive, chemicals, construction, biomedical, environmental technology, maritime and sport depend.
Neeraj Takiar, Managing Partner at EC Contact Division said:
"Our vision is simple to be the very best at what
we do, to ensure Traumatec is the standard against which all
garment protection systems will be measured"
Martin Harding, Retired GMP Superintendent said:
"The system will be tested to home office guidelines & beyond, Traumatec is the future of police protection"
Punk Takiar, Managing Partner at EC Contact Division said:
"The Traumatec brand will encompass exciting new technological developments shortly including flame, ballistic, and stab impact protection systems."
The NWDA is playing a crucial role in response to the current economic downturn, with a number of actions being taken to meet the needs of businesses during these challenging times. To keep updated on the range of support being offered by the NWDA go to www.nwda.co.uk/supportingbusiness
For more information on business support visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/northwest
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Notes to editors:
For further information please contact Shelley Tattersall, Press
Officer on 01925 400256 or mobile 07500 128482 or
shelley.tattersall@nwda.co.uk
For urgent out of hours press enquiries please call 01925 400259.
For further information and to view previous press releases visit
us at www.nwda.co.uk/press
The NWDA is supporting businesses and prioritising investments to ensure that the Northwest is in a strong position to respond to the current economic climate. Initiatives include:
• The launch of a £10m High Growth business support
programme
• A new £4m Innovation Voucher Scheme to help 1,000
businesses work with our knowledge base
• Dedicated Access to Finance support within Business Link
Northwest - now available
• £140m Venture Capital Loan Fund (VCLF) - to be
launched in 2009
• £40m package of support to stimulate investment in
priority skills development - to commence in 2009
• 10 day prompt-payment pledge to our suppliers to help with
cash-flow
For more information, see nwda.co.uk/business
The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) leads the economic development and regeneration of England's Northwest and is responsible for:
• Supporting business growth and encouraging investment
• Matching skills provision to employer needs
• Creating the conditions for economic growth
• Connecting the region through effective transport and
communication infrastructure
• Promoting the region's outstanding quality of life
