KTP project at Cornelius graded as Outstanding
27 April 2011
The Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project between the Hertfordshire based chemical distribution and manufacturing company Cornelius Group plc and Anglia Ruskin University has been awarded the highest grade of "Outstanding" by the KTP Grading Panel for its achievement in meeting its objectives.
Cornelius are delighted to hear the news; reportedly only around 10% of the KTP projects are awarded an "Outstanding" grade for the delivery of its objectives. The project was aimed at implementing a business development and marketing capability across the business, developing both the existing and new international markets sales and marketing strategies. As a result of the project, a clear marketing strategy was devised, allowing the company to grow and diversify against the background of the recent recession. Darren Spiby, Cornelius' Sales Director, said to CBA's Outlook: "in 2008 the board of directors agreed that there was a need to bring some marketing skills into the organisation to help the business promote itself and its offer and to develop a market entry plan to help with our Polish business ambitions. A university graduate joined our business as part of a KTP programme and we have never looked back! Just a few of the great value creating differences made, include an industry first cosmetics 'Virtual' exhibition, market entry plan for our Polish business which has identified further expansion opportunities, focused communications to our customers which not only keep them informed but also inspire them to buy our products, 'voice of the customer' surveys which have been invaluable in helping us improve our service, and many more. I don't believe it is any coincidence that our sales fortunes have improved considerably over the past 3 years and I am genuinely excited for the future of our business".
The project has delivered significant strategic outcomes to the company: long-term business structures were developed and implemented by identifying new revenue streams and researching opportunities to expand the existing offer into new areas, company branding was further strengthened, and a marketing culture as a dynamic organizational capability in the previously sales led organization was implemented, leading to a sustainable source of competitive advantage for the company. The project was also crucial for the success of a new business entity- Cornelius operations in Poland. According to the company's Managing Director, David Brown, the Polish subsidiary was established, as a solid platform in Central Europe that is viable in its own right, and capable of supporting future growth in the region. "The partnership enabled us to leverage our operational capabilities across business groups, perfect the sales support service and achieve significant cost savings through consolidating our supply chain", Brown said.
Such impressive outcomes were achieved within the relatively short period of 21 months, during the difficult economic climate of global recession, making the Partnership’s achievements even more significant. Cornelius' Chairman, Dr. Neville Prior reflected that "this enhanced capability has allowed even stronger relationships to blossom with principals, and through the aim of working with our customers to grow their business with sustainable, quality assured products, Cornelius has seen excellent progress. Our market entry plans outside of the UK ensure that Cornelius remains a vibrant and exciting company to work for and to work with."
UK companies are encouraged to think about opportunities available via the Knowledge Transfer Partnership programme. Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) is one of the Technology Strategy Board’s flagship UK-wide programmes, enabling businesses from all sectors to improve their competitiveness, productivity and performance.
More information is available on http://www.ktponline.org.uk.
