Speedings Ltd has major boost from University of Sunderland

Speedings Ltd, founded in 1827 and based in Sunderland, began life as a sailmaker but now specialises in lifesaving personal safety products for emergency services across the UK.

The company recently completed a transformative 24-month Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with the University of Sunderland.

Dr Derek Watson, Associate Professor in Cultural Management at the University of Sunderland pictured with Rob Hammal, Managing Director at Speedings Ltd Picture: DAVID WOOD (Image: David James Wood)

Rob Hammal, CEO of Speedings Ltd, said: "Working with the University of Sunderland has been a truly amazing journey.

"The academic professionalism, agility, and genuine commitment to deliver sustained commercial impact has repeatedly been delivered.

Dr Derek Watson, Associate Professor in Cultural Management at the University of Sunderland pictured with Rob Hammal, Managing Director at Speedings Ltd (Image: David James Wood)

"We have seen remarkable measurable improvements in productivity, new digital efficiency savings, innovative marketing strategies, and our working culture has equally benefited and grown from both specialist and generic development programmes.

"All strategically and operationally positioning Speeding’s in position of increased profit and a globally facing business model that works.

"I would not hesitate in recommending the academics and students from the University of Sunderland’s Faculty of Business and Technology."

Dr Derek Watson, Associate Professor in Cultural Management at the University of Sunderland pictured with Rob Hammal, Managing Director at Speedings Ltd Picture: DAVID WOOD (Image: David James Wood)

The KTP scheme is designed to help businesses access university expertise and funding to tackle strategic innovation challenges.

At Speedings, the collaboration has led to a 25 per cent increase in turnover, making 2025 one of the best financial years since its records began almost 200 years ago.

By modernising operations and integrating new technology, the firm is now well-placed for further growth.

Improvements include a new mezzanine floor that increased storage capacity by 70 per cent, upgraded workflow processes, and the introduction of digital printing.

The new printing system has cut costs by 70 per cent, reduced waste by 75 per cent, and improved turnaround times—all while maintaining or improving print quality.

Dr Derek Watson, associate professor in cultural management at the University of Sunderland, said: "Our 24-month KTP with Speedings further demonstrates the labyrinth of positive impacts a University of Sunderland KTP can generate.

"Working with Speeding’s enabled the university to deploy its applied commercial academic expertise in making strategic growth, in terms of increased market share, enhanced turnover and profit."

The partnership also improved training resources for staff, boosted morale, and reduced inefficiencies by 25 per cent.

As a result, Speedings has been able to increase production without hiring additional staff, streamline processes across the factory, and reduce staff turnover.

Dr Watson said the benefits extended beyond the business itself.

He said: "Our reciprocal relationship enabled business and technology students from undergraduate to doctoral researchers to work on live case studies, as part of their formal studies, which has enriched their learning journey and employability skills.

"Speedings Ltd is now driving planned sustainable growth, which in turn benefits its supply chains and has tangibly benefited our city and regional commercial arena.

"Our established bond with Speeding’s will continue in offering support as they expand into 2026 and beyond."

The KTP programme is supported by Innovate UK and focuses on using advanced technologies to drive new product development and market expansion.

These partnerships create opportunities for students and graduates.