International Labmate Ltd
Full case study
The business idea
International Labmate, a respected global supplier of science –related trade journals, needed support in boosting its online activities.
In particular, the company was looking to create an on-line Buyers’ Guide, enabling customers to search its 4,000 plus titles.
Each and every article, in all paper-based journals, now also needed to be available in an electronic, downloadable format. A database driven application would be required to support the on-line publication of articles, advertising, supplier listings, event listings, reader interaction and administration.
Creating a new on-line catalogue was also seen as an excellent opportunity to secure new advertising revenue, and support the company’s ambition to extend its global reach.
The business challenge
To be able to offer its customers online alternatives in viewing and using its services, the International Labmate team needed a cost effective route to business expansion.
Realising this ambition required the company to source expertise in database management, IT project management, electronic publishing and imaging expertise.
A Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), for which International Labmate could use the skills and expertise of the University of Hertfordshire’s School of Computer Science, provided the perfect solution.
How the KTP helped
A KTP was established to run for two years. International Labmate’s needs were relayed to KTP associate Tauqeer Akhtar, who began work with University technology experts to create a database-orientated listing management system.
Tauqeer says: “I managed the project right from inception and now it is in production mode and meeting its objectives.”
The International Labmate board were impressed with the results, particularly the significant gains in online advertising revenue, which increased by 100%.
“The company has really benefited from this KTP scheme,” says International Labmate MD Marcus Pattison. "It has opened up new revenue streams which would otherwise have taken a lot longer to achieve.”
And there can be no greater endorsement of hard work and effort than the offer of full time-employment. “I got a job offer from the company and I look forward to accepting this challenge,” adds Tauqeer.
The business results
- Adverting revenue. The new on-line catalogue resulted in a 100% increase in advertising revenue.
- Creation of on-line Buyers’ Guide. The company’s 4,000 plus titles are now available at www.searchaproduct.com.
- Innovation. The supplementary effect of the KTP has been a stimulation of new ideas and other business expansion opportunities.
- Improvements to skills and technology. The Associate helped bring forward the technological skills of employees and developed the company’s technological infrastructure.
Find out more
About Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships are one of the many ways the University of Hertfordshire supports the growth of enterprise and meets future business needs.
The university is investing substantially in partnerships with industry, commerce and the community.
The aim of a knowledge transfer partnership is to help businesses grow by allowing them access to the knowledge and expertise within a university. In turn, this partnership allows the University of Hertfordshire to learn from and adapt to the needs of business.
International Labmate is one of many examples of how KTPs are providing a cost-effective way of helping businesses become more competitive and profitable by accessing academic knowledge and expertise.
More about Knowledge Transfer.
Contact us
For more information on how a KTP could benefit your business, please contact the Business Services Team on tel +44 (0)1707 286 406 or email us at bpo@herts.ac.uk.