New Cosmetics Cluster for the UK’s Personal Care Industry
Personal care and cosmetics companies are invited to join the new Cosmetic Cluster UK.
YCF Limited, a not-for-profit membership association for the process industries, has launched the Cosmetics Cluster UK, a specialised group specifically for the Personal Care and Cosmetics Industry and its supply chain throughout the UK.
Dr Gill Westgate of the University of Bradford and Chair of the new cluster said, “The new cluster will encourage fellow industry networks, sponsors and beneficiaries to work together to access resources to improve innovation, job creation and competitiveness. Following the discussions from the launch, the most important aspect of membership is networking. We will bring together the people, companies and university academics to tackle industry challenges, such as formulation, skills gap and product and prototype testing, whilst encouraging collaboration and providing access to funding opportunities.”
Prof.¬†Des Tobin, Director of Center for Skin Sciences at the University of Bradford¬†added, ‚ÄúIt is very gratifying that we have now¬†arrived at this important juncture in the development of this key sector’s Cluster. Personal care of our¬†skin is a key (and increasingly important)¬†element in supporting our health¬†and wellbeing.‚Äù
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Tancream Ltd, is an example of the types of organisation the cluster will support. Katy Foxcroft, Director of Tancream said, “Having attended today, as a new beauty brand, we feel much more confident about our business development and growth strategy. From being able to speak to skincare specialists, formulators and contract manufacturers to the Department of Trade and Investment, the cluster offers us a chance to share our issues and find immediate and accessible solutions”.
A key aim of the cluster is to work with industry bodies and industry networks such as the Society of Cosmetic Scientists. Working with Universities is a key part of the initiative.
YCF are encouraging all personal care and cosmetics companies throughout the UK supply chain to join and become a part of the new Cosmetic Cluster UK.
Lisa Buck, Operations Manager said, “The reason why the launch of the cluster was such a success is due to the enthusiasm of the companies involved. These companies have united in the need for a focussed, sector specific industry group, which will provide unrivalled networking opportunities, dedicated workgroups and industry events to drive competitiveness, innovation, growth and ultimately job creation.”
The Cosmetics Cluster UK is sponsored and supported by Siemens UK. Companies interested in joining the cluster are invited to contact Lisa at lisa@ycf.org.uk.
KTN’s Dr Rachael Rowlands-Jones (Knowledge Transfer Manager, Formulation) is also happy to provide advice on upcoming funding opportunities of relevance to the cosmetics sector, introductions to potential collaborators and assistance with project proposals.