Two University of the West of Scotland (UWS) Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) have reached the finals in the 2024 CeeD Industry Awards.

Partnerships with Lochlie Construction and KubeNet have both been shortlisted at the 2024 CeeD Industry Awards for the Knowledge Exchange award, while Lochlie is also nominated in the Best Practice Sharing and Transformational Change through Educational Skills categories.

Speaking of the benefits of working with UWS academics, Douglas Aitken, Managing Director of Lochlie Construction, said: “The work with UWS is of significant value to us as a business.

“Through the project, we were able to develop a coherent strategy and a plan to deliver it, and as a bonus, we have made many fantastic connections through the KTP network.

“We were really proud to have our project graded as Very Good and to be nominated for this CeeD award is the icing on the cake.”

Lochlie Construction and KubeNet are both nominated for their efforts achieved during their digital transformation. Their projects with UWS KTP projects, which involved cultural change, leadership, and enhancing management capability.

Lochlie Construction Group, based in Hillington Glasgow, is a multi-trade contractor that works across West Central Scotland on newbuild, refurbishment, and renewables projects.

The company partnered with the University’s KTP Centre to define and develop a project proposal. Working together with their KTP Associate, Louise Harkiss, Lochlie Construction implemented a digital platform specifically designed to streamline project management, communication, and collaboration within their workflow.

“Louise’s project insights, gleaned from her direct field experience, provided valuable contributions to shaping the company's strategic direction. “Her role proved instrumental in facilitating the company's expansion into a new market in late 2022. Moreover, her close collaboration with both Directors and the Academic Team led to the development and implementation of a business strategy and operational plan, guiding the company's trajectory towards 2026.”
Douglas Aitken, Lochlie Construction

KubeNet, a leading Managed Service Provider, provides best-in-class technology solutions to companies throughout the UK & Globally.

With a broad portfolio of Internet, Infrastructure, Outsourced IT, Cloud and Voice solutions, KubeNet ensures clients have access to applications and Data around the world and as a Cisco & Microsoft Partner, they are at the forefront of technology.

Since its establishment, the organisation has undergone continuous development to align with the evolving needs of its clientele and their respective businesses.

“Over a productive and collaborative two-year period, this project has far exceeded its original objectives. “By taking a people-focussed approach to this project, our KTP associate Elaine has been able to deliver outcomes that truly transforms the way people work in, and interact with, the business. “Our managed service framework and enhanced reporting systems have provided added value to our Managed Service that has aided the company in winning Best SME Managed Service at the Comms National Awards in 2023.”
Fraser Ferguson, Director of KubeNet

The CeeD Industry Awards celebrate excellence and innovation in the construction, engineering, and development sectors across Scotland. The Knowledge Exchange category recognises outstanding collaborations between businesses and academic institutions that have led to significant economic and social benefits.

Stuart McKay, Senior KTP Manager, UWS KTP Centre, said: “I'm delighted to see our partners Lochlie Construction and KubeNet being shortlisted for the Knowledge Exchange category this year.

“Both businesses have demonstrated a real willingness to engage with academia, delivering both organisational and cultural change and service innovation within their respective sectors.

“KTPs seek to develop future business leaders; in Louise Harkiss and Elaine Syme this has certainly been achieved.

“I'd like to acknowledge and thank colleagues from the School of Business and Creative Industries who supported both projects: Anne Claire Gillon, Bobby Mackie, Jim Johnston, Tom Keegan, Robert Crammond, Theo Tzanidis, Matthew Frew, and Dalia Alazzeh.”

The finalists will be announced at a ceremony on Thursday 29 February at the Glasgow Hilton.

About Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships are a flagship programme from Innovate UK and form a collaboration between a business, an academic institution and a graduate. The graduate is employed by the academic institution as a ‘KTP Associate’ who works full-time at the business involved, under the guidance of an expert academic team. This three-way partnership forges strong ties between industry and academia and helps to deliver solutions to real-world problems.

About University of the West of Scotland 

University of the West of Scotland is one of Scotland’s largest modern universities. Our reach across the south and west of Scotland, together with our London campus, means that UWS is a significant force in global knowledge creation, innovation, and a leading provider of undergraduate, postgraduate and research degree education. Our degrees provide students with a transformational experience, resulting in highly sought-after graduates in world-leading sectors, industries and businesses.