Hockley Mint has received an ‘outstanding’ grade by the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Grading Panel for successfully completing a project in conjunction with Birmingham City University to the highest possible standard.
Under the scheme, Birmingham-based manufacturer Hockley Mint employed Rose Dunne as marketing associate in June 2013 to design a digital communication strategy and develop new business streams through integrated advertising.
Hockley Mint has been awarded the highest possible grade for its achievement in meeting these objectives.
Rose has played a key role in developing several new initiatives at Hockley Mint, including championing the company’s Fairtrade gold project following her visit to Tanzania and working closely with Hockley Mint colleagues on the Fairtrade Ambassadors Scheme for Retailers, which launched in May.
Gary Wroe, managing director of Hockley Mint, said: “We got involved in the KTP scheme as we recognised the value it could bring to our business. Rose has been a real asset to the company in many ways and has played an integral role in our new Fairtrade Ambassadors scheme, of which we are immensely proud.”
The KTP scheme is a UK-wide programme that has been helping businesses for the past 40 years to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills that reside within the UK knowledge base.
A KTP serves to meet a core strategic need and to identify innovative solutions to help that business grow. KTPs often deliver significant increased profitability for business partners as a direct result of the partnership through improved quality and operations, increased sales and access to new markets.
Speaking about the opportunities she has received through the KTP, Rose said: “Having the opportunity to put my knowledge to work in a real work environment is invaluable. I’ve had the pleasure of working on some really interesting and innovative projects at Hockley Mint, where I have learnt an incredible amount, too.”
Dr Shane Walker, senior enterprise development manager at Birmingham City University, added: “Only excellent, high-quality projects can receive the grade of outstanding and the Certificate of Excellence, which highlights the hard work that’s been put in on this innovative and challenging project.”
