Knit e-pedia: about the national partnership

National partnership

K4I is led by The William Lee Innovation Centre in partnership with Skillfast-UK, Stoll UK and NWtexnet. The WLIC and Skillfast-UK have a track record of successful delivery of large scale European projects and, together with NWtexnet, are familiar through Round 1 with the EQUAL principles. The partnership is also supported by various working groups such as equal opportunities, industrial associates and technical specialists.

The William Lee Innovation Centre
Textiles and Paper, School of Materials

This is a multidisciplinary research centre based within The University of Manchester's School of Materials (Textiles and Paper). The research focus of the Centre is on Medical Devices created from engineered advanced knitted structures.

Technology platforms, which are currently in development, include 3D modelling systems for biomedical textiles, health monitoring through knitted sensors, smart implants and intelligent wound-management systems, and advanced protective clothing and equipment.

Because most textiles companies in the UK are SMEs with insufficient resources to conduct their own multidisciplinary research and development, the Centre performs a vital role conducting innovative research and translating this research into practical solutions for industry. The unique range of expertise and resources has made the William Lee Innovation Centre a global player in textiles research, with the benefits being passed on to industry professionals via regular workshops, training courses, conferences and ongoing knowledge/technology transfer projects.

North West Textile Network (NWtexnet), is funded by the Northwest Regional Development Agency and aims to promote and develop the textile industry within the region. NWtexnet supports the project dissemination and mainstreaming activities through its network of companies and other textile sector bodies in the North West.

Skillfast-UK is the Sector Skills Council for apparel, footwear, textiles and related businesses. Skillfast-UK exists to help employers to compete in a global market, by ensuring access to a skilled workforce, capable of delivering the added-value products and services the world market requires. Skillfast-UK supports the project through offering advice and feedback on activities such as module level and content; they also facilitate links with companies and SMEs through their regional networks and publicity vehicles.

Founded in 1873 Stoll has been one of the world's leading producers of flat knitting machines for more than 130 years. Today the company is represented in more than 70 countries worldwide and producing more than 4000 knitting machines per year. Producing all of their equipment exclusively in Germany in purpose built premises, Stoll offer a vast range of computerised flat knitting machines and pattern preparation systems catering for every conceivable requirement, from traditional cut-and-sew or fully fashion articles, to complete garments using the knit and wear technique, through to technical applications. As part of their service to the knitwear industry as a whole Stoll also have Stoll Plus which stands for service in its entirety and real added value. This includes support in planning knitting plants, training courses worldwide, application advice on site, fashion and technology offering inspiring new collections and sharing latest market trends, reconditioned pre-owned machines, and tailor made leasing offers. Stoll UK support the project through by their expertise in the industry and their manufacturing equipment, particularly important within the K4I Industry Innovation Unit.