The Plastics Consultancy Network

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The Plastics Consultancy Network

• by
• Roy Carter
• Managing Director, Celsum Technologies Ltd

A presentation to the Industrial Advisory Group
(IAG) on Measurement Methods Relating To The
Processing And Characterisation Of Polymeric
Materials at the National Space Science Centre,
Leicester, 25th October 2006
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Benefits of Using A Consultant

• A very cost-efficient way of getting some expert
  help to solve a specific problem
• Once the job is done, there is no continuing
  cost
• To have a fresh set of eyes look at a problem
• To act as "Devil's Advocate" for a proposed
  course of action
• To review technological options and markets
• In fact, a consultant can act in almost any
  capacity for you.

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www.pcn.org
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www.pcn.org
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www.pcn.org
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www.pcn.org Members Specialities
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Periodic Table of Thermoplastics
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PCN at PDM 2006
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Example Members Page (1)
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Example Members Page (2)
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Example Members Page (3)
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Example Members Page (4)
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Example Projects (1)

• Energy Management training for plastics
  processors.
• Set up joint venture between Indian and UK
  manufacturer.
• Design and manufacture of complex
  hyperbolic-profile dies.
• Flow analysis, die design and manufacture for
  defence project.
• Diagnosis and rectification of problems in
  energetics extrusion.
• Energy usage surveys and energy reduction
  guidance for plastics processors.
• Waste minimisation surveys and waste reduction
  guidance for plastics processors.
• Organisation and management of Business Workshops
  for the UK plastics industry.
• Design and production of novel load cell for
  aerospace materials testing application.
• Identified source of a foreign plastic body for a
  major manufacturer of food products.

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Example Projects (2)

• Outsourced and project managed the manufacture of
  product to a lower cost country.
• Interim management for a manufacturer of
  composite GRP tubes and structures.
• Chemically inert multilayer bonding systems for
  porous polymeric structures eg filters.
• Investigations of reactionary chemistry between
  plastic products and biochemicals.
• Outsourced manufacture of a building product
  reducing cost by 10.
• Designed and implemented a manufacturing cell
  that with savings gt 35k pa.
• R D of a patented testing system for a major
  pharmaceutical manufacturer.
• Technical assistance with a with a mould tool and
  hot runner system processing PET.
• Designed automatic water cooling system for a
  single minute die exchange project.
• Fluid absorption pads for human body fluids for
  small scale chemical analysis.
• Due diligence and technical appraisal of a
  manufacturer of plastic products.

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Expert Witness Work

• Can be very lucrative
• Must be sure of your facts
• Must have knowledge of the court procedures.
• Expert witnesses are now often requested as
  'single joint experts' and the duties are
  considerably different to those of the old expert
  who was seen as a hired gun for the employing
  party.
• Experts are now generally regarded as 'officers
  of the court' with a primary duty to the court
  and NOT to their paymasters.

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Benefits of Membership

• PCN membership is a positive statement of your
  commitment to working as a consultant.
• Regular meetings with like minded consultants can
  improve your business skills and provide contacts
  for further business development.
• PCN has a presence at most major trade
  exhibitions.
• PCN provides the framework for networking with
  industry colleagues.
• Membership of PCN greatly aids credibility and
  marketing.
• Where projects require special skills there is a
  ready made "virtual project team" for you to use.

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Requirements for Membership

• Traded as independent consultant for a minimum
  period of 2 years.
• Applications must be proposed and seconded by
  people who have experience of your technical
  competence. This is preferably by current
  members of the PCN.
• Academic qualifications are not a pre-requisite.
  Prospective members are expected to have
  substantial industrial achievements and to be
  capable of proving that they have carried out
  consultancy work of the required standard before
  a membership application is approved.
• All membership applications are approved by the
  group as a whole.

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Conclusions

• PCN provides access to a wide range of skills,
  expertise and services
• Using a consultant is a cost-effective way of
  solving a specific problem
• Being a consultant can be a lucrative way of
  earning a living