Member Article

Addqual is the latest hi-tech business to choose Derby's iHub Innovation Centre as its base

Addqual, an innovative new manufacturing services business, is the latest hi-tech business to take workshop space at Derby’s iHub innovation centre on Infinity Park.

The company, which operates in the aerospace and medical sectors, has moved to one of the iHub’s new state-of-the-art workshops, which will enable it to develop and establish its measurement and qualification services.

Addqual currently specialise in manufacturing services for aerospace and medical implant producers in the UK and overseas. It helps its clients utilise specialist data for day-to-day support, whilst also providing a bespoke consultancy service.

The enhanced workshop space and facilities available at the iHub will enable the company to expand its services and team as the business grows with the current demand.

Addqual is the second business venture for the company founder Ben Anderson. After 12 years at Rolls Royce as a manufacturing engineer, Ben left to establish his own business, which he subsequently sold to a customer six years later. Addqual was formed in 2017 to support businesses operating in the aerospace and medical supply chains.

Despite being established for less than a year, the company has already enjoyed a number of successes and client wins, including a leading research institute and a well-known OEM, and has secured orders for the next two years.

It is also looking to introduce AS9100 accreditation by the end of the second quarter of 2018. These advancements will enable AddQual to differentiate themselves by offering a service that generates deliverables quickly and efficiently.

The iHub, which has Enterprise Zone status, provides quality, flexible workspace for start-ups, early stage businesses and high growth SME’s looking to establish, or expand their role in the transport engineering and hi-tech sectors.

Since it was launched in Autumn 2016, the £12m facility has attracted a diverse range of businesses from across the rail, aerospace and automotive supply industries.

As well as 18 traditional office workspaces, it features 14 ground floor workshops for businesses seeking a more hybrid working environment.

Another exciting addition to the facilities at the iHub is the innovative ‘iLab’, which provides SMEs and larger companies with a local facility to undertake initial design, prototyping and testing of new range of products and services. It features an additive manufacturing cell, including vacuum casting machine, digital microscope, 3D printers and 3D AutoCAD software. A virtual reality suite includes Oculus Rift headset.

The building also offers a multi-purpose ‘heart space’ area, which is establishing a reputation as a leading regional conference and event venue.

Speaking of his decision to base his business at the iHub, Ben said:

“Due to the nature of the work we undertake, it was essential for us to find top-quality workshop space and get the business moved in quickly.

“I looked at several workshop premises across the Midlands but the iHub really stood out and will provide the accommodation, facilities and on-going support I need to nurture my business during the next phase of its growth.

“As we’re looking to expand the team, it was also vital for us to be able to access local talent. The iHub boasts a superb location, which means we are accessible from across the Midlands and will be able to recruit and train the next wave of high quality engineering talent.

“Our workshop is a fantastic, high-quality, flexible space that has already enabled Addqual to develop during the critical incubation period. I’m really excited for the future.”

Ann Bhatti, head of Connect Derby, added:

“The arrival of Addqual to the iHub will reinforce the building’s reputation for supporting and enabling cutting-edge ideas, particularly in the aerospace, automotive and transport engineering industries and I’d like to wish Ben and his team every success with their ventures.”

The iHub builds on the success of the popular Connect Derby scheme, which has created a strong market for mixed use and sector specific serviced offices at its six other buildings across the city – Friar Gate Studios, Marble Hall, Riverside Chambers, Sadler Bridge Studios, Kings Chambers and Shot Tower.

The development has received funding from the Regional Growth Fund and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), as well as Derby City Council and the University of Derby.

For further information about lettings at the iHub, contact Sonia Kang on 01332 742500 or email sonia.kang@derby.gov.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Donna Hill .