Designers, manufacturers, food production companies and colleges have been shown how 3D technology can benefit them during the launch of onlincolnshire’s latest venture at the University of Lincoln.

The Lincoln Technology Hub, which offers free use of cutting-edge 3D equipment, expert advice and business support, was officially opened at the new £11 million Lincoln School of Art and Design yesterday evening (Thursday 27th February).

The launch event saw demonstrations of the 3D printers, 3D colour scanner and a laser cutter, as well as fabrication techniques. Around 55 guests from local businesses also had the chance to talk to experts in the heritage sector and find out about the free training and expert advice available to businesses using the hub.

Cllr Marc Jones, Support Councillor to the Leader of Lincolnshire County Council, which runs the onlincolnshire project, said: “There has been huge interest in the latest Lincolnshire Technology Hub, and now that businesses have seen at first hand what the hub has to offer, I am sure it will get booked up fast.

“The possibilities are endless for a wide range of sectors, from architectural practices and designers making prototypes to heritage workers. The experts on hand at the university are there to help businesses use the equipment and offer their advice on other elements such as new product development, packaging design and prototyping.

“I look forward to hearing about the success of businesses which have used the facilities at our newest hub.”

The main hub area housing the 3D printing and laser cutting equipment is based in the workshop of the Architecture Building at the University’s Brayford Pool campus, while the 3D scanners and heritage expertise can be found in the School of Art and Design, which is attached to the Architecture Building.

Mike Poole, Business Development Manager at the University’s College of Arts, said: “This is a great resource for the local business community and will help give Lincoln firms the edge in a global market.

“The idea is to offer the opportunity to try out new equipment before making a purchase and access expert advice and support so businesses can grow. We hope to see as many people as possible take advantage of this new venture.”

All of the equipment purchased through the onlincolnshire project can be borrowed or used for free by eligible businesses, with just a small charge to cover insurance costs and materials used. Booking and training may be required. The hub is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

The Lincoln Hub is open Monday to Friday between 10am and 4pm. Businesses interested in using the hub can book an appointment by calling 01522 835097 / 837494 or email thehub@lincoln.ac.uk. Follow @onlincolnshire on Twitter, #LincolnHub or visit www.facebook.com/onlincolnshire to stay up-to-date with developments.

Ends

Notes to Editors:
About the Technology Hubs:

• The onlincolnshire project has successfully launched three hubs in 2013: Mablethorpe in May, Boston in October and Louth in November. A further hub is planned for Horncastle during 2014.

• The Technology Hubs are being launched to demonstrate the benefits digital technology can offer.

• All of the equipment available through the hubs can be borrowed and used for free, with just a small charge to cover insurance costs and materials used.

About onlincolnshire:

• onlincolnshire is a Lincolnshire County Council-run project which is part-funded by the East Midlands European Regional Development Fund Programme 2007 to 2013.

• In March 2013, the council signed a £48 million contract with BT to provide superfast broadband to at least 88% of county properties by 2016, with the remaining properties having access to at least of 2Mbps broadband.

• The contract with BT concentrates on an intervention area of over 150,000 premises where existing or planned commercial roll outs would not deliver superfast speeds.

• The Department for Communities and Local Government is the managing authority for the European Regional Development Fund Programme, which is one of the funds established by the European Commission to help local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support local businesses and create jobs.

For more information visit www.communities.gov.uk/erdf

• Some internet users in rural Lincolnshire experience speeds of less than 1 Mbps. The UK’s average broadband speed is 7.6 Mbps, according to Ofcom.

About the University of Lincoln:

• Opened by Her Majesty The Queen, the university’s main campus in Lincoln was the first new city centre campus to be built in the UK for decades.

• More than £150 million has been invested in the stunning Brayford Pool campus that has transformed a city centre brownfield site, revitalised the area and attracted investment from the retail, leisure and property sectors.

• The University of Lincoln is a research-based university with quality teaching and excellent career prospects for its graduates. Academics and students at the university carry out major research for the benefit of society across a wide range of areas. A business ethos pervades the entire range of programmes, from science and technology courses to arts and humanities, with emphasis placed on ensuring that what our students learn is up-to-date, research-informed and relevant to employers.

For further information about the hub launch, or to arrange interviews, please contact:
Cerri Delaney
Shooting Star PR
cerri@weareshootingstar.co.uk
01522 528540/ 07985 143990
@CerriDelaney