Published on 16/06/2021
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Andrew Moss

 

  • Aston University has secured a Knowledge Transfer Partnership with Horizon Retail Marketing Solutions (Horizon RMS)
  • The project team will develop a business transformation roadmap for operational, staff and resource efficiencies expected to deliver 50 per cent growth
  • Researchers will implement a new scheduling system to reduce customer quote lead times

Aston University has entered into a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with a leading Cambridge-based retail marketing agency, with the aim of delivering a business process transformation roadmap that will provide a 50 per cent increase in business growth.

The Aston University research team will work with Horizon RMS, specialists in the design and production of retail displays for world-class brands and retailers, as part of the KTP to address their operations, supply chain and customer demand processes, ensuring the business is scalable, driving growth.

A KTP is a three-way partnership between a business, an academic partner and a graduate, called a KTP Associate. The UK-wide programme helps businesses improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills. Aston University is the leading KTP provider within the Midlands.

Operations management professionals from Aston University’s College of Business and Social Sciences will assess the current infrastructure and personnel skillset at Horizon RMS to organise human and physical resources more efficiently. The team will review and improve operational processes to ensure higher capacity and increased productivity, includingthe implementation of a scheduling system to improve quote lead times.

The consortium will also deliver a better understanding of the company’s supply chain capabilities, including EU shipping challenges post-Brexit.

Andrew Moss, managing director of Horizon RMS, said:

“We have some significant plans to deliver on both domestically and internationally, and with Aston University's help, we stand every chance of delivering on them. We are looking forward to the future.”

The Aston University academic team consists of Dr Geoff Parkes, senior lecturer in marketing and strategy and associate dean of Aston Business School, and Krishna Balthu, teaching fellow in service operations management.

Dr Geoff Parkes said:

“I’m delighted to work on this KTP with Andrew and the team at Horizon RMS. The business is at a really exciting stage of development and the academic team at Aston Business School are looking forward to helping facilitate the next stage of growth. 

"KTPs offer the chance for companies and academics to combine skills, identify market opportunities and realise plans to implement positive change.  In today's dynamic market conditions, this focused approach is more relevant than ever.”

 

Notes to Editors

A Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) is a three-way partnership between a business, an academic partner and a graduate, called KTP Associate. The UK-wide programme helps businesses improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills. Aston University is the leading KTP provider within the Midlands.

About Aston University

Founded in 1895 and a University since 1966, Aston is a long established university led by its three main beneficiaries – students, business and the professions, and our region and society. Aston University is located in Birmingham and at the heart of a vibrant city and the campus houses all the university’s academic, social and accommodation facilities for our students. Professor Alec Cameron is the Vice-Chancellor & Chief Executive.

Aston University was named University of the Year 2020 by The Guardian and the University’s full time MBA programme has been ranked in the top 100 in the world in the Economist MBA 2021 ranking. The Aston MBA has been ranked 12th in the UK and 85th in the world.

For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Sam Cook, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44)7446 910063 or email: s.cook2@aston.ac.uk

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