Firm has 'wind in sails for growth' after uni alliance

A sailmaker-turned-emergency response equipment firm is charting a course for growth following an education tie-up.

Speedings has completed a University of Sunderland knowledge transfer partnership.

Bosses say the two-year alliance has helped increase turnover by 25 per cent – marking one of the 1827-founded firm’s best-ever financial periods – and leaves the business well placed to expand.

They add the partnership also increased storage capacity by 70 per cent through a mezzanine floor; improved production workflow; reduced print costs and waste; boosted staff training; and reduced employee turnover.

Rob Hammal, chief executive at Sunderland-based Speedings, whose portfolio includes equipment bags, cylinder covers and high-visibility surcoats, said: “Working with the University of Sunderland has been a truly amazing journey.

“We have seen remarkable, measurable improvements in productivity, new digital efficiency savings and innovative marketing strategies.

“Our working culture has equally benefited and grown from specialist and generic development programmes.”

Dr Derek Watson, University of Sunderland associate professor in cultural management, added: “Our relationship with Speedings further demonstrates the labyrinth of positive impacts a University of Sunderland knowledge transfer partnership can generate.

“Speedings is now driving planned sustainable growth, which in turn benefits its supply chains and has tangibly benefited our city and regional commercial arena.”

The knowledge transfer programme is supported by Innovate UK.

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