University student helps Unison target new business

The University of Hull is helping tube bending machinery maker Unison, Scarborough, as part of a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme, which links UK businesses and universities.

As part of the KTP programme, Unison has employed business school graduate Shona Lloyd, who graduated in 2005. Her core role is the development of a marketing strategy that takes into account both the evolving geographic and sales opportunities for Unison's product portfolio, and the company's expertise in designing and manufacturing all-electric metalworking machinery.

"As well as focusing on developing a new marketing strategy for this enterprising business, I will be studying for my Masters degree, using Unison as the heart of my dissertation, which will be really rewarding," Ms Lloyd said. "I have worked in both consumer goods and tourism marketing roles since 2005, and this new KTP project offers me the chance to experience a different sector, and with the backing of the University, get my teeth into an important long-range project, so I leapt at the opportunity."

Unison's marketing director, Peter Wilkinson, added: "We are delighted to have Shona Lloyd onboard and welcome the opportunity to engage with the fresh thoughts and ideas that she brings. Her experience and expertise will help Unison to investigate new international opportunities and shape our product in the future."

John Munro, lecturer in Marketing and Business at Hull University Business School in Scarborough, is supervising the KTP on behalf of the University. "Needless to say, we are delighted that a graduate from the business school has been appointed and I look forward to working with Shona over the coming months."

This KTP project is one of a number organised by the University's Knowledge Exchange, which co-ordinates business activity for the University. KTPs are part government-funded and are open to organisations of any size which have a feasible strategic need.

Image: Unison's new market development manager, Shona Lloyd, with (clockwise) Unison's Alan Pickering and Jim Saynor, John Munro of The University of Hull, Peter Wilkinson and Roger Franklin of Unison.

Author
Andrew Allcock

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http://www.hull.ac.uk/

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Unison Ltd

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