Knowledge Business Centre

Knowledge Business Centre

Welcome to


InfoLab21 Vision:

To use the University’s research strengths through knowledge transfer to help boost the region’s economy and social regeneration giving business and industry a competitive edge through access to an ICT centre of excellence

To provide co-location development facilities

To create high-tech spin-outs & start-ups

To attract inward investment

To provide high quality software training


InfoLab21 Structure:

Knowledge Business Centre (K.B.C.)

2-way gateway between academia and business

Specialist support to aid regional business

Collaboration – joint applied research, academic and student

placement

Incubation facilities for start ups, spin outs and research

departments

Outreach Projects

Funded through ERDF, NWDA & HEIF


Part of the InfoLab21 Graduate Academy (I.G.A.) Team

The Graduates…

Adam Rowntree

Andrew Foote

Andy Cunningham


Intro to the InfoLab21 Graduate Academy

• What is it?– 12 to 18 month internship (ends June

2008)– Team of 10 graduates– Free support to Objective Two eligible

companies• www.objectivetwo.co.uk


Intro to the InfoLab21 Graduate Academy

• Types of work we do– Software development– Website design and implementation– I.T. Appraisals and Strategy development– Requirements Analysis and documentation– Network reviews– Custom database creation and review– Mobile applications development


• Studied Computer Science at Lancaster University

• Worked in the IT sector in North Cumbria for a year after graduating

• Wanted to expand my breadth of knowledge/abilities so applied for a job in the Graduate Academy

• Since starting at the IGA, I have expanded my skills base

• Web development: developed PHP/MySQL skills

• Development and implementation of eCommerce module for the CMS

• Transferable skills

Adam Rowntree // Project Assistant


• Web design and development

The REACH CentreLogo design and web development

MJI ConsultingWeb design

Adam Rowntree // Project Assistant


• Graduated from Lancaster University– Engineering (B.Eng)– Studying M.Sc I.T. & Data Communications

• Worked as design engineer for 12 months after B.Eng

• Decided to return to computing – worked as a Systems and Networks Admin for ISP

• Joined KBC in January 2007– Expand skill set and further career

opportunities

Andy Cunningham // Project Assistant


• Projects worked on at KBC include:– Web application development– Mobile games development– IT strategy appraisals and reviews– Network optimisation and security review

• Skill set development in:– PHP/MySQL and other web based languages– Coding (java and J2ME)– Paperwork and client management– Enterprise and Commercial Awareness training

Andy Cunningham // Project Assistant


Andrew Foote // Project Assistant

• Graduated from Lancaster University– Degree in I.T. & Media Communications.

• Applied for position at KBC in March ‘06 whilst in final year.• Worked on a wide range of projects:

– Web development: CSS, XHTML, PHP, MySQL.– Requirements analysis and documentation.– Bespoke web application development.– Interface design.

• Developed transferable skills• Formal training in ASP.net (January 2007) and project

management (ongoing).• Informal training in graphic design.


Andrew Foote // Project Assistant

Website developed for Topdeck Stage Systems in collaboration with a graphic designer

Creating a user-interface design concept for The Research Engine.

Web development for Hubbard Architecture. Design of site to fit with company branding. Development of a module for our content manager to create photo-based portfolios.

Some examples of work produced during internship:


Training and Personal Development

• Project Management Course– Formal training leading to accredited

qualification (equivalent of 1st year degree)

• ASP.net– Development training

• NASA– Networks and Systems Administration


Training and Personal Development

• Personal Development Plans (P.D.P’s)– Internal training and monitored development

• Transferable skills– People skills– Communication– Project manage delivery to clients

• Teamwork and Collaboration– Joint projects– Internal tool development


Career Development

• Learning new skills every day.

• Would like to work in a web development company.

• Web development.

• Equal interest in design and programming side of web development.

• Learning new skills through working.

• Game design and programming

•Interactive applications

• Network programming and server side solutions


Testimonials

“We would like to thank Infolab21 for all their help in the production of what is going to be a very helpful and effective sales tool. With our new CRM system, our business will now be more efficient and productive leading to bigger and better sales.”Claire Chestnutt, Director of Business Development, Oriental Blend of Interiors Ltd

“Very good service, fast turnaround. Provided lots more help than could have imagined. Knowledge was amazing!”Jo Vincent, Director, Jo Vincent Glass Design

“The service is excellent for a small business such as Hubbard Architecture Ltd and I am grateful for the production of a website I could not have achieved otherwise.”Phillip Hubbard, Director, Hubbard Architecture

“Speed and response to brief was spot on.”Megan Henshall, Company Director, Cinnamon Ltd

“We have all been very impressed by Lancaster University staff and expertise and are very pleased with the results.”Lucy Barden, Membership Secretary, Lakeland Businesswomen’s Network

Documents

Knowledge Business Centre