BUSINESS WEST – CONNECTING BUSINESSES


EEN puts a smile


on face of Kemdent


D


ental wax company Kemdent has massively increased its output while decreasing emissions thanks to EEN. Measuring the impact of innovation on a


business can be tricky. However, dental materials manufacturer Kemdent broke the mould, reducing production emissions by 30% while increasing output by 100%. Founded in 1922, the Swindon-based


company is striving to meet the demands of an ever-changing competitive global market. Manufacturing high-quality modelling waxes for 90 years, the dental company aims to increase its global export reach by the end of 2017, while also focusing more on Own Equipment Manufacture for other companies. Previously, Kemdent used an outdated,


emission heavy, uneconomical and labour intensive process for producing dental wax. The company, through R&D, developed a new wax line that drastically changed the business’ manufacturing operation. The more eco-friendly and cost-effective


waxes reduced emissions drastically in a fierce economic environment. With an ambitious growth strategy, the


company were looking for extra help and discovered EEN support services through Medilink South West. Linking up with Louise Hooker,


EEN SW sector lead for Biomed and Life Sciences, they believed they could benefit greatly from the advice and support on offer through EEN. Louise helped identify regional


Innovation seminar to help


you grow Success in today’s business environment depends on innovation, creativity and an entrepreneurial approach. Come and listen to the region’s innovation


specialists discuss the major challenges and opportunities facing business and the region today. Also understand how innovation fits into the Local Enterprise Partnership’s plans for future prosperity of the Heart of the South West. This briefing event will show you how you can harness innovation in your team and business. We will be bringing together innovation


experts to explore how businesses can build upon innovation capabilities and remain ahead of the game. These will include innovation specialists from our innovate2succeed programme, advisers from other business support programmes and someone from the LEP. Hear expert advice and guidance on how


to introduce new technologies and processes to your business, how to launch products to new or existing markets, and learn about the innovate2succeed programme. The event will be followed by a networking


‘EEN services have been vital


had gone through the Growth Accelerator programme, but they are very specialist. We’ve never had someone like Louise. “She has been able to provide advice and expert knowledge on the bigger picture and link us to local and international opportunities and partners to provide more holistic support. “EEN services have been vital


funding for the company. Kemdent received a £20,000 capital grant to build a new manufacturing production line, improving production rates of dental wax by 100%. They were able to secure the future of its workforce – promoting an existing staff member – and are looking to employ three new members of staff by the end of 2018. Having also struggled to recruit an


apprentice, Louise made an introduction to Cogent Skills who helped them recruit an apprentice lab technician and opened the door to recruit a graduate process developer/ engineer in the future. Introductions to software providers enabled


Kemdent to move to a more automated compliance and regulatory process, freeing up more time to concentrate on growing sales and finding international partners. Speaking of the support received, Kemdent


research and development supervisor James Holder, said: “The help has been really important. We’ve had help through Medilink and


to help us improve our systems, our productivity, job creation’


to help us improve our systems, our productivity, job creation, and keeping existing jobs stable. We wouldn’t have been able to source that information ourselves, and if so, it would have taken us ten times as long. There doesn’t seem to be any issue or


problem that I have spoken to Louise or


any of the team about that they haven’t provided information for.” Currently exporting to over 40 countries,


Kemdent is set to increase its global market by exploring more opportunities, particularly in Europe. Through the network introductions that have been made to a number of potential European partners. Kemdent has promising interest and it is now in discussions with companies in Sweden and Greece. Kemdent plans to continue to refine


manufacturing processes and develop its growth strategy. The company also wants to increase Own Equipment Manufacturing, where it makes products under different brands. Originally seeing R&D and innovation as a


risk, the company has now increased its budget in the field and sees it as part of the business model moving forward, which is crucial for its plans.


session and the opportunity for a 1:2:1 consultation with an adviser, where you’ll be able to get your questions answered. Agenda: 09:00 – Registration and networking 09:15 – Intro from David Riddell 09:30 – Why is Innovation Important 10:00 – How to install innovation into your company by Louise Ladbrooke 10:30 – Grant funding for innovation 11:00 – Case study 11:15 – Break 11:30 – Business model canvas and meet the advisers workshop 13:00 – Lunch and networking 13:30 – 1-2-1 sessions with advisers 15:00 – Finish


The free innovation coaching to help achieve business growth seminars take place on 14 September (Exeter) and 19 September (Calne) To register visit: www.businesswest.co.uk/events


Finding a partner


If you are looking for commercial, manufacturing, technology or research partners, then the Enterprise Europe Network South West (EENSW) team can help. EENSW has a database of tens of


thousands of organisations looking for partnering opportunities. Once a potential partner has been


identified they initiate the first contact, but their support doesn’t stop there. They can also help you with local in-country management of meetings, language support and much more.


For more information, visit www.enterprise-europe.co.uk


JULY/AUGUST 2017 insight 19


inspire


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