The Centre of Expertise in Advanced Materials and Sustainability (CEAMS), a new state-of-the-art centre, will officially be launched on Tuesday 5th March 2024, in the newly renovated Rochdale Town Hall.  

Funded by the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT), the Innovation Accelerator programme CEAMs will support the development and commercialisation of advanced sustainable materials. Industry experts, researchers, and enthusiasts are invited to this groundbreaking launch event filled with engaging presentations, dynamic panel discussions, and unparalleled networking opportunities. 

The centre, situated in Atom Valley, spans over 17 million sq ft of flexible employment space and is expected to offer 20,000 new highly skilled job opportunities within world-class businesses upon completion. The Centre aims to enhance the existing capabilities of regional businesses by facilitating the development of advanced sustainable materials and addressing current supply chain gaps in the provision of materials.  Additionally, it aims to improve the industry’s capacity to scale up and adopt sustainable materials in manufacturing applications. 

“CEAMS will be instrumental in building upon the world-leading innovations in sustainable materials already taking place in Greater Manchester. It will help translate the research into commercial opportunities and promote job creation and investment,” said Anne Campion, Head of Manufacturing at GM Business Growth Hub.  

“Additionally, CEAMS will play a crucial role in the Atom Valley Mayoral Development Zone, where Greater Manchester is working towards revitalising the industry in Rochdale, Oldham, and Bury with the help of an advanced manufacturing hub.” 

“CEAMS is a vital stepping stone in accelerating advanced materials innovation, which will be the enabler for manufacturing in the UK to evolve with emerging technologies,” said Jonathan Richards, Head of Marketing and External Relations, Made Smarter. “It will ultimately attract further inward investment and jobs into the area, elevating Greater Manchester’s manufacturing industry to the next level.” 

The event’s opening will be delivered by Steve Rumbelow, CEO of Rochdale Council sharing the importance of CEAMS to the levelling up agenda and Atom Valley.  

Katherine Bennett, CBE FRAeS, Chief Executive Officer of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, will deliver a keynote speech. Katherine has an accomplished career in aerospace and manufacturing and was recognised with the Order of Commander of the British Empire for her contributions to the aerospace and aviation sector. 

The event will bring together industry experts, researchers, and enthusiasts to share how CEAMS can help manufacturers in Greater Manchester to explore the latest advancements in materials science and sustainability to the benefit of their business. 

Event Details 

Date: Tuesday, 5th March 2024 

Time: 09:30 – 13:00 

Venue: Rochdale Town Hall, The Esplanade, Rochdale OL16 1AZ 

Keynote Speaker: Katherine Bennett, Chief Executive Officer, High Value Manufacturing Catapult 

Other expert panellists include: 

• Professor Richard Jones, Professor of Materials Physics and Innovation Policy, University of Manchester 
• Dr Ania Jolly, Head of Research and Business Development, Henry Royce Institute 
• Sophie Walton, CPI, Director of Strategic Partnerships 
• JT Janssen, NPL, Chief Scientist 
• John Davidson, Cygnet, Product Director - Oxidation, Carbonisation & Recycling Solutions 
• Michelle McHugh, Business Development Manager, Rochdale Development Agency 
• Justin Kelly, Consultant and former Siemens board member. 

Don't miss your chance to be part of a transformative event that will shape the trajectory of materials science and sustainability. Join us at the CEAMS launch, where the future is now. 

Interested parties can register to join the event from the below link on the Eventbrite website: 

Launch of CEAMS, Centre of Expertise in Advanced Materials & Sustainability Tickets, Tue 5th March 2024 at 09:30 | Eventbrite