Enterprise Hub Network - Case History
Farnborough Aerospace Enterprise Hub
Mike Sheehan
Real-Time Data Company (RTDC)
Company Background
Set up six years ago by managing director David Murray, the Real-Time Data Company (RTDC), based in Walton-on-Thames, develops and manufactures test and verification equipment for complex sensors including Radar, Sonar and Infrared detection systems.
Well-established in a niche market, the company has historically focused its attention on developing bespoke test and verification equipment for testing specific systems. However, a review of its marketplace two years ago revealed that the requirement was shifting in favour of generic, off-the-shelf test equipment, and RTDC began work on development of a new suite of products, in partnership with the University of London. The first phase of development is now complete.
The new family of products offers a through-life capability management tool for investigating, designing and building, testing and training, as applied to sensor systems. It is intended to meet the testing needs of complex sensor systems for the next few decades.
Technological advances are making it increasingly possible to simulate real life testing and verification, saving time and money and reducing risk. RTDC’s new products are designed to support this simulated testing.
Work with the Enterprise Hub
For those operating in a high-tec, niche marketplace finance, advice and other business support can be very difficult to access. The directors of RTDC decided that involvement with the Farnborough Aerospace Enterprise Hub, with its specialist industry focus, would open doors and help reduce the time to market for the new suite of products.
Hub support has so far encompassed:
- Access to high level contacts within the aerospace sector across a wide region, via both the Enterprise Hub and the Farnborough Aerospace Consortium
- Introductions to specialised sources of development funding and to investors
- The ongoing availability of the Hub team as a sounding board for ideas and resolving issues
RTDC director Kay Murray, who is herself a business mentor working with Surrey Enterprise Hub, said: “As a business mentor myself, I know how important it is for businesses to have access to experienced people to bounce ideas off.
“We are particularly fortunate to have access to the sector specific Farnborough Enterprise Hub, which has enabled us to find people who really understand our business and the issues it faces, and who have the expertise to help us bring our new range of products to market.”
Farnborough Aerospace Enterprise Hub director Mike Sheehan said:” RTDC is alert to rapid changes in technology and the demands of the market, and it has taken the action to develop an excellent, novel approach to the testing and verification of complex sensor systems. It is exciting to work with the company and to help in establishing this new concept in the marketplace”.
What’s next
With the first level product in the new range now rolled out, RTDC will be shifting its focus from research and development and placing a strong emphasis on sales and marketing and product support, to put the suite of products in pole position to pick up contracts over the coming years. The continued support of the Farnborough Aerospace Enterprise Hub will be invaluable in helping the company through this growth phase.
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