Derbyshire-based MW Polymers Products Ltd — a manufacturer of sealants, adhesives and coatings for pipelines — was awarded an Innovate UK grant of over £200,000 last month to support a Knowledge Transfer Partnership involving Aston University.

A scientist at MW (www.mwpolymers.co.uk) will develop a new polymer with help from the Aston Institute of Materials Research (AIMR), which is led by Paul Topham.

By the end of the two-year project, it is envisaged that the company will have gained an invaluable insight into advanced materials — and will have a commercially viable product ready for market.

Mike Wild, the company’s founder, said: “Securing funding from Innovate UK is a great result. It will enable us to work with the brightest minds in the field of advanced materials.

"By the end of the project, we are confident that we will have an innovative product suitable for industry.”

Professor Topham said: “This is an exciting project for Aston University to be part of. Aside from developing a new advanced material, we will have the opportunity to build stronger industry links, which will benefit our students.

"In addition, it will enable Aston University to maintain its position as a leader in advanced materials research.”