Added Scientific Ltd (ASL) is an official spin-out from the University of Nottingham which was formed in 2014 by five academics from the University’s Centre for Additive Manufacturing (CfAM). The business was created to provide the growing and largely unmet need of industry to capitalise on one of the key enabling technologies of the 21st Century. ASL provide technical services, contract research and development, and training and consultancy in Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing (AM&3DP).
“Added Scientific is business that will act as a vehicle to employ people into high-skilled jobs, in a growing industry and will contribute the local economy”
Co-founder, Professor Chris Tuck, spoke to us about Added Scientific and how a grant from NBV helped support the growth of the business.
“These technologies, collectively referred to as 3D printing, developed from rapid prototyping processes which in fact date back to the 1980’s. It is only in the last 5-10 years or so that they were starting to be considered as production-quality manufacturing methods – this is why we use the term ‘Additive Manufacturing’ as we want to make high quality, end-use parts; not just prototypes. The various 3D printing processes have matured since the early days and many industries are starting to consider their own AM strategy. As such, we believe ASL are well placed to help businesses exploit this burgeoning technology in a number of different ways, from business strategy through to technical contract R&D services”.
Chris and his fellow co-founders are well versed in the technical side of the operation from their strong academic backgrounds, between them they have a collective 70 years of experience and expertise in AM & 3DP. The Centre at the University of Nottingham is internationally recognised and hosts the EPSRC ‘Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Additive Manufacturing’ and has garnered a research budget portfolio in excess of £26M over the last five years.
However, it was the business and administrative difficulties of running a company that threw up a lot of challenges along the way. Chris adds: “Running a business is both exciting and stressful in equal measure”.
“It’s all hands on deck when working in a small business – a positive attitude can be critical to whether your company will survive or fail.”
Added Scientific started life in a University incubator environment which allowed them access to local funding knowledge, and this is how ASL identified NBV as a provider of EU funding to help grow and develop the business.
“The grant has helped support and expedite our growth and development over the last few months and will continue to do so into the future.”
The Grant For Enterprise scheme at NBV awarded Added Scientific Ltd a grant of £1,429.92 towards the costs of buying exhibition equipment and creative design services. This has enabled them to exhibit their business at conferences and trade shows in the UK to increase awareness of their business and generate new clients.
“NBV were good in providing critical analysis of our project proposal. Their staff provided support throughout the project and helped iron out any issues we encountered along the way – and there were a fair few!”
Not only does NBV offer grant funding, but there is help and support for your business plans and aspirations available too!
For more information about Added Scientific Ltd:
contact@addedscientific.com | www.addedscientific.com | 01159513702
Twitter: @addedscientific
If you would like find out how the Grant For Enterprise could help your business, please contact NBV on: 0844 887 2568* or visit: www.nbv.co.uk/growing-a-business/grant-for-enterprise/