Supporting SMEs | National Composites Centre

Whether you’re looking for a rapid turnaround on a technical challenge, access to the latest technology or training to upskill your team, we can help.

NCC Connect is a dedicated SME support team set-up to ensure your business can swiftly access our resources. With a team of over 350 specialist composites engineers and a world-class technology R&D centre, we will work with you to deliver solutions that meet your time and cost requirements.

Find out how we help you fast-track your innovation and overcome the barriers to your business growth.

Work with us

Rapid Response

Access the technology and skills you need right now

Rapid Response

We deliver

Rapid turnaround on technical challenges
Affordable access to cutting-edge technology including card payment options
Engineering consultancy from our team of over 350 specialist composites engineers
World class R&D facilities to de-risk innovation and demonstrate proof-of-concept
Ongoing support to scale-up production

SME Support

Matched funding opportunities and access to technology

SME Support

We offer

SME Boost Programme - Matched funding up to £25k for innovation projects
SME Membership - Access to Training, Events and Networking with our industry-leading partners
Support to industries already using composites to improve product performance, innovate and step-change use
Open access to cutting-edge composites manufacturing technology to design, develop, test and scale your ideas
Knowledge exchange partnerships with industry and academic institutions in the UK and internationally
Information on funding opportunities and support to submit a funding bid
Strategic business advice from across our wider Catapult network

Training

Custom built training plans delivered by NCC experts

Training

We offer

Bespoke training and off-the-shelf courses created by the NCC and our network of training providers
Hands-on experience of the latest digital manufacturing technologies
Courses matched by topic or level of experience, from apprentices to technicians, experienced engineers to senior management
Courses designed for individuals, teams and companies
Training available at the NCC, locations across the UK and online

Find out more about our Training courses

Read more about SME Boost Programme

SME Boost Programme

Match funding up to £25k to help UK SMEs develop composites products.

Read more about SME Affiliate Scheme

SME Affiliate Scheme

Giving SMEs affordable access to the NCC capabilities, expertise, training and networks

Recent Activities

Stories
Read more about Making new products from composite waste

Making new products from composite waste

17 Dec 2019

The NCC and ELG Carbon Fibre Ltd are working together to demonstrate a sustainable, commercially viable, circular economy for the composites industry.
Stories
Read more about NCC develop prototype for Scottish SME

NCC develop prototype for Scottish SME

12 Oct 2020

A project completed as part of the NCC's SME Boost programme, Robop approached the NCC to investigate a repeatable and cost-effective method of manufacturing the wings for its bird control systems, including multiple fibre options, to ensure they were both lighter and stronger than previously.

Training
Read more about Composite Design Principles - Part 2

Composite Design Principles - Part 2

24 - 26 Nov 2020

In this course you will learn more about the link between design, manufacturing and materials, and explore more complex techniques and issues surrounding composites design.
Read more about Innovation partnership roundtable: Giant robots weaving the fabric of the future

Innovation partnership roundtable: Giant robots weaving the fabric of the future

28 Oct 2020

Our CTO, Dr Enrique Garcia, will be providing an overview of the NCC and the solutions it provides industry in this virtual roundtable for the Innovation Partnership.