Thu, 23 June, 2022
We are pleased to introduce a new member of the MITT project team, Dyllan Phipps who, as our business development manager, has been promoting the initiative to SMEs in the Tees Valley area.
We took a moment to find out more about Dyllan’s work, experience, and involvement in MITT…
Hi Dyllan can you start by letting us know a bit about what you are doing in your role with MITT?
As the Business Development Manager, my role involves engaging with Tees Valley SMEs, actively promoting and delivering the free Materials Integrity Technology Transfer (MITT) technical assistance programme. I am also working to create awareness with Tees Valley local/combined authority and relevant trade organisations e.g. NEPIC, as well as actively referring local SMEs to another TWI Technology Transfer programme – the Tees Valley Innovation Accelerator (TIA). TIA is a free programme to help Tees Valley SMEs develop and innovate their products, processes and services. Ideally suited for Tees businesses focused on innovation and product development, the TIA enables companies to leverage public funding, consultation and prototyping to maximise their potential for exploiting new technology concepts.
What is your background in engineering?
My engineering background started with British Aerospace, covering both mechanical and electrical engineering. I then went on to qualify as a technical author, writing and producing technical manuals. I have also attained SME funding experience, having previously worked for the combined authority delivering funding/grants utilising the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Having previously owned my own consultancy business, I can empathise with some of the current challenges many local SMEs are facing.
So, how did you come to be involved with the MITT project?
The MITT project is an excellent project, enabling Tees Valley SMEs to obtain up to seven days of free technical support/advice. By utilising TWI’s extensive knowledge and expertise, we can assist SMEs with their materials, processes, services, quality, training/qualification and knowledge transfer requirements. Many local SMEs have benefitted from MITT support and this has helped them with their growth and sustainability plans and hence benefitted the local Tees Valley economy.
Why would you recommend MITT to eligible businesses?
This is a totally free programme open to all eligible SMEs within Tees Valley and I would recommend any companies contact us ASAP, as this programme is due to end in June 2023 as part of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). As can be seen from our dedicated MITT website, showcasing local business case studies, this can have a real positive impact on a company’s technical challenges. Often companies don’t know how to access free technical support and have previously had to previously pay for this advice and support.
More specifically, why do you think it is good for the Teesside area in particular?
Teesside is experiencing strong economic growth in several key sectors and MITT helps companies to realise their full potential. We are actively involved in both Net Zero and the hydrogen economy and wish to help local companies maximise both current and future trading opportunities.
Finally, how can people get hold of you if they want to discuss how MITT could help them?
Please feel free to contact me directly, initially via email: dyllan.phipps@twi.co.uk
The Materials Integrity Technology Transfer (MITT) project is part of the Tees Valley Centre for Materials Integrity Programme, which is part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020) and Tees Valley Combined Authority.