Seventy top engineers and scientists from Selex ES took part in a specially-designed programme of creativity and innovation workshops as they visited the University for a special ‘away day’.

Some of the company’s most talented engineering, technical and support staff had their technology know-how, and team-working skills, put to test as they took part in a series of activities designed to blend fun with a drive for serious thinking on innovation, design and collaboration.

And Peter York, Head of Engineering Projects, Selex ES, said the event “hit the mark”.

“We at Selex ES have innovation as one of our ‘company values’ but the challenge is always to find new ways to energise our staff to think differently and without barriers. The day laid on by the University certainly hit the mark with everybody getting to explore new ways of thinking and trying things out in a safe and fun environment. The energy with which the University team delivered the workshop was fantastic and everyone involved took some lasting memories and novel thinking back to our business. We hope it will be the start of a long and fruitful engagement between Selex ES and the University.”

Jacqui Frost, head of Learning and Development for Selex-ES’s Capability Green operations thanked the University to contributing to a “fabulous day” and creating “such a seamless event”.

“We gained so much from the day on many levels including making new contacts and coming up with even more good ideas on how Selex and the University can continue to work with each other,” she added.

The energetic event was organised by the University’s Innovation and Enterprise service and was divided into two parts.

Professor Ben Allen and Professor Carsten Maple, from the Department of Computer Science and Technology, devised the morning session focussed on developing innovation skills.

Held at the Postgraduate and CPD Centre, teams of eight were instructed to invent original uses for popular objects including duct tape, ballpoint pens and old video players. Ideas were then presented to a panel of judges.

In the afternoon, staff were based at the University’s latest facility, the School of Art and Design – situated at a recently renovated 19^th century hat factory.

Organised by the Head of the School, Colin Davies, the brief was to embrace design and creative practice.

The groups – each of which had a mentor to assist throughout and were provided training on the required computer software – were asked to design and produce either ties for teenagers, or a beer bottle label for a Bedfordshire-based micro-brewery.

The event commenced with the concept presentations and prize-giving.

Associate Director of the University’s Knowledge Hub, Eamonn Keenan co-ordinated the programme which was devised following discussions on how Bedfordshire could support Selex’s engineering and business operations.

He added: “We are now exploring opportunities for joint research and development, graduate placements and specialist business training. This was a great opportunity to demonstrate to one of our leading local companies how flexible and responsive the University can be.