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The challenge
Developing sustainable materials, products and manufacturing processes requires specialist knowledge, equipment and testing facilities. For many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), accessing these resources can be difficult and prohibitively expensive. These barriers have historically been amplified in Greater Manchester with one reason being its relative geographic isolation from innovation hubs such as the High Value Manufacturing Catapult (HVMC).
This can prevent businesses from validating new technologies, resolving technical problems and generating the evidence needed to invest in further development. It can also slow progress from an early-stage idea to a commercially viable product or process.
The Centre of Expertise in Advanced Materials and Sustainability (CEAMS) was established to address these barriers. A pilot brought together industry, academia and research and technology organisations, giving businesses coordinated access to advanced materials expertise, facilities and targeted research and development (R&D) support.
Through partnership with a network of organisations including CPI, CEAMS has helped establish a new route for businesses across Greater Manchester to access national R&D assets to help them overcome technical barriers, develop sustainable products and ultimately move new technologies closer to market.
How CPI helped
Led the Pilots for Sustainable Products workstream, supporting businesses developing novel materials, products and manufacturing processes.
Delivered collaborative R&D projects that helped companies overcome technical barriers and accelerate product development.
Connected businesses with specialist facilities, equipment and expertise across the CEAMS consortium.
Provided technical validation, testing and development support to reduce risk and increase confidence in emerging technologies.
Supported programme management, evaluation and the development of the long-term vision for CEAMS and the Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing Centre (SMMC).
Achievements
Delivered 18 collaborative cross-centre R&D projects, exceeding original target by 260%.
Leveraged £10.5 million in match funding.
Supported 10 new products or processes which have the potential to reach market.
Helped 68% of participating businesses improve their R&D capacity.
Participating businesses rated the programme 4.5 out of 5, while 89% reported that their organisation was in a stronger position because of the support received.
Impact
CEAMS successfully brought together CPI, the University of Manchester, the Henry Royce Institute, the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), NCC, MTC and Rochdale Development Agency (RDA) to create a collaborative innovation ecosystem for sustainable materials and manufacturing. Together, the partners enabled businesses to access expertise, facilities and technical capabilities that accelerated innovation and strengthened Greater Manchester's position as a leader in advanced materials development.
The programme delivered 18 collaborative R&D projects, leveraged £10.5 million in industry match funding and supported 10 new products or processes which have the potential to reach market. A Value for Money analysis indicates that the direct Gross Value Added (GVA) to the UK economy by the pilot is between £4.5 million and £6.6 million as of the end of 2025.
Beyond individual projects, CEAMS demonstrated a new model for innovation support that is helping to strengthen the UK's advanced materials ecosystem.
The programme helped establish stronger links between businesses, research organisations and universities, while proving the value of collaborative, challenge-led R&D. Its success directly contributed to the development of the Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing Centre (SMMC), and the Atom Valley Innovation District (AVID) which has been further backed by £16.4 million from the UK Research and Innovation’s Local Innovation Partnerships Fund (LIPF) – a flagship UK government programme, delivered through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), investing £500 million to strengthen regional innovation economies across the country. . These programmes will build on CEAMS' achievements to support the commercialisation of sustainable materials and advanced manufacturing technologies.
