If you are familiar with Dumfries and Galloway you will recognise it as a rural farming area, boasting luscious green fields with wildlife, nature and forestry in abundance. It attracts tourists looking to get away from the bustle and stress of busy city lives (in fact Dumfries and Galloway is the most densely forested area in the UK). However, hidden away from sight are some of the most surprising innovative businesses that are trading not only in the UK but also globally. Here is a snapshot of businesses that Interface have or are currently working with in Dumfries and Galloway connecting them to university expertise to help them innovate and grow their businesses. They include businesses such as:

TransK9 situated in St John’s Town of Dalry which is a family run company who supply canine cages and transit boxes to be fitted in the rear of vehicles. The boxes are constructed from high grade aluminium, with heavy duty galvanised steel doors. Their customers range from domestic users to the UK’s top gundog trainers and handlers, police constabularies, security companies through to numerous veterinary practices. In addition, they export to USA and Europe. Interface was able to set up a collaboration with the University of the West Scotland’s Engineering Department in Paisley to generically test Transk9’s latest designed canine box.

Katie Vance is a busy mum and owner of Bubble Flo Ltd, a new start-up company located in Whithorn. Interface was able to identify academics at University of Strathclyde with expertise in flow, dynamics and design to help finalise her prototype equipment which will help children with respiratory and chronic chest conditions. The equipment will help exercise their lungs in a more engaging and effective way. This in turn will motivate children to use the equipment which will help them improve their chest condition, lessen hospital stays and help save the NHS valuable budget.

Everyone has heard of the iconic Moffat Toffee, but have you heard of the Moffat Tasty? R Little Bakers Ltd, in Moffat developed the Moffat Tasty utilising local Moffat Toffee in the recipe (it’s very similar to a Selkirk Bannock if you know what that is?) and they were keen to capitalise on the visitor market that Moffat enjoys and wanted to appeal to visitors who would buy them to take home as souvenirs and treats. Consequently, Interface was able to connect them to Abertay University’s Food Innovation @ Abertay to help them extend the shelf life of the Moffat Tasty for the tourist market.

So, the next time you visit or think about Dumfries and Galloway – think innovation and then think Interface.  Here at Interface we can help connect your business to the academic expertise you need to innovate and grow your business.