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Leeds Beckett University and ARC launch building insulation innovations
Dr Jim Parker
ARC - a specialist manufacturer of cavity fire barriers and cavity closers, have collaborated with Leeds Beckett University over many years, developing the Retrofit Eaves Insulator (REI) – a product invented and patented by former Leeds Beckett University academics, Dr Matthew Brooke-Peat and Professor Christopher Gorse.
As part of a two-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) part-funded by Innovate UK, Leeds Beckett experts worked with ARC to establish the NPD department and further develop, test, and launch the REI in the marketplace. The project aimed to secure ARC’s place as a front-leader in the construction product manufacturing industry – and ensure that ARC has the in-house capabilities to repeat the success of the REI with further new inventions.
The REI allows homeowners to make their homes more energy efficient and cost effective by insulating the eaves – the junction between the external walls and roof – which can result in high rates of heat loss. It is estimated around 7.7 million UK homes have been built using solid wall construction methods and could benefit from upgraded insulation using new innovation.
Dr Jim Parker, Reader in the Leeds Sustainability Institute (LSI) at Leeds Beckett University, said: “Delivering practical, applied research solutions is central to the LSI’s success - working with ARC on this KTP project was a natural progression for over a decade’s worth of in-depth investigations. The KTP has seen deep academic understanding of damp and mould growth at building junctions manifest in a real-world market-ready solution that can help to minimise cold-bridging in vulnerable spaces, in homes that are in the most need.”
Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) - Leeds Beckett University and ARC Building Solutions Dr Alex Boote shares his experience of being a KTP associate on the KTP project between ARC Building Solutions and Leeds Beckett University.
The KTP has shifted ARC’s business model into the rapid development, design and manufacture of its own brand products. The company can now collaborate with industrial partners to solve challenges across the new build, retrofit, low-rise, high-rise, and insulation sectors.
The NPD team generated multiple new ideas and innovations during the KTP – including the TCB Square, which was successfully brought to market during the project. The TCB Square restricts the spread of smoke and flames within the internal wall cavity. The team are now preparing the new product for release in the market.
Dr Alex Boote was recruited as a full-time KTP Associate by Leeds Beckett for the duration of the KTP project - and has now been employed in the permanent role of Product and Innovation Manager at ARC. Alex was supported by Dr Kate Morland in the practical delivery of the project, which was led for Leeds Beckett by Dr Jim Parker.
Neil Weeks, CEO of ARC, said: “Working with LBU and Dr Alex Boote has been instrumental in implementing our new product development process. The new process uses a cutting-edge approach and means we can involve everybody within the business at the right time and with the right information.
“The KTP has been a brilliant process to bring academic thinking into the commercial world with great success. We now look forward to planning another KTP with LBU and building on the progress we have made so far.”
The launch of the in-house NPD is estimated to bring substantial financial growth for ARC. They now have full ownership of the entire lifecycle from start to finish, making their supply chain position significantly stronger.
A team of Leeds Beckett University marketing students supported Dr Alex Boote in the market analysis, brand awareness and promotional campaigns for the REI. Two of the marketing students have now been recruited as KTP Associates, leading their own Management KTPs for Leeds Beckett.
Liam Wraith, BA (Hons) Marketing Management graduate and now KTP Associate on the Kingfisher (Lubrication) Limited project, said: “Having the opportunity to conduct market research in a new industry and identify relevant marketing techniques to accompany the launch of the Retrofit Eaves Insulator were valuable practical and professional experiences for me as a marketeer. These skills and experiences have been crucial in the undertaking of my new role at Kingfisher Lubrication. Seeing Alex's influence and success at ARC was certainly an inspiration in my decision to embark upon a KTP in my first graduate role."
Ceejay Green, BA (Hons) Marketing Management graduate and KTP Associate on the Moulds Patterns and Models Ltd (MPM) project, said: “It was great to work on a module that had industry application, beyond the textbooks and academic theory. We created a marketing communications plan, sales and targeting strategy for the new product, and provided market data research, findings and analysis.”
The full Leeds Beckett team consisted of: Dr Jim Parker and Dr Kate Morland in the School of Built Environment, Engineering and Computing, and Paul Rhodes and Larisa Barker in Leeds Business School, who led on the strategic marketing for the project.
The Retrofit Eaves Insulator
In this article
Dr Jim Parker
Dr Parker specialises in building energy modelling and the urban environment. He manages externally funded research projects, collaborates with industrial partners and supports undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral students.
Dr Kate Morland
Kate is a Research Fellow at the Leeds Sustainability Institute. Kate is an architect and in 2020 completed her PhD at the University of Sheffield. Before this, her work focused on occupant comfort and satisfaction in new homes and offices.
