Membership

The National Composites Centre is leading the future of composites, sustainability and digital engineering to solve some of the world’s greatest engineering challenges. We are industry's research and development partner. We want to build long-term collaborative R&D partnerships with companies of all sizes, helping you to develop, adapt and scale-up new and existing processes. 

Why become a Member of the NCC?

An NCC membership gives you access to 'beyond' state-of-the-art technology and the best composites engineering capabilities in the world, as well as expert advice from specialist engineers. We can help you solve the most complex engineering challenges of our time.

As one of seven centres of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult (HVMC), we can open the door to the wider HVMC network, with access to over 2,500 manufacturing specialists and more than £683 million of capability.

A strategic partnership

Our Members are our closest customers – helping to steer our research and development activities. Our specialist account managers have a deep understanding of our Member’s requirements, and work closely with the organisation to ensure maximum benefit is achieved from engaging with the NCC. 

Unparalled networking

Our Membership community has several opportunities each month to come together to share and discuss the latest composite technologies and challenges – and identify opportunities to tackle challenges together.

Core Research Programme

The NCC works closely with our Tier 1 Members to shape and agree a programme of mutually beneficial research, with an estimated value of over £1 million. Tier 2 and Associate Members can apply to 'buy-in' to specific projects within the programme each year.

Workforce development

To support the growth in the UK composite market growth, approximately 30,000 more people need to become skilled in composite materials and processes. The NCC offers each Member organisation a number of spaces on a selection of open access training courses, to help develop your workforce.

Increase your visibility

As a composites centre of excellence, the NCC is uniquely positioned to enhance your visibility in the global composites sector. Our marketing platform has been designed for members to advertise their business, products and services.

Innovate together

The NCC has unrivalled capability when it comes to composite material and processing technologies. Over £36m of equipment is available to use on projects – some of which we can train our Members to use themselves. Co-locating and using the facilities at NCC offers plenty of opportunity for stand-up innovation and problem solving.

Membership options

We have four tiers of Membership available, designed to benefit companies of all sizes, from OEMs to micro-SMEs. 

Tier 1 Membership

Tier 1 Members commit to a three-year partnership with the NCC. This commitment enables the company to access the technology and expertise they need to support what we call “Member Directed” projects. They also partner in a collaborative R&D project with at least one other Tier 1 Member.

Benefits include:

  • Access to over £1million worth of research via the Core Research programme
  • Opportunity to shape the future direction of the NCC via representation on the NCC Steering Board and NCC Research Committee (one place per Tier 1 Member)
  • Directed research to value of membership
  • Access to NCC facilities for private venture work
  • Access to the NCC network including leading OEMs, material and equipment suppliers
  • Demonstrating and proving equipment/materials/software/hardware to Members
  • Up to five places on NCC open training courses
  • Four permanent desks at the NCC, plus unlimited bookable desks and meeting rooms (up to 10 people)
  • Unlimited attendance at exclusive Members’ breakfast briefings and consortia building events

Tier 2 Membership

Tier 2 Members commit to a minimum one-year partnership with the NCC. This commitment enables the company to access the technology and expertise they need to support what we call “Member Directed” projects. They are also able to join the NCC Core Research programme, and are encouraged to conduct collaborative projects with other members.

Benefits include: 

  • Directed research to value of membership
  • Right to negotiate IP license from NCC Core Research Programme
  • Access to NCC facilities for private venture work
  • Access to the NCC network including leading OEMs, material and equipment suppliers
  • Demonstrating and proving equipment/materials/software/hardware to Members
  • Opportunity to shape the future direction of the NCC via representation on the NCC Steering Board and NCC Research Committee (one place and vote per 10 Tier 2 and Associate Members)
  • Optional buy-in to a single project on the NCC Core Programme
  • Unlimited attendance at exclusive Members’ breakfast briefings and consortia building events
  • Up to three places on NCC open training courses
  • Unlimited bookable desks and meetings rooms (up to 10 people) at the NCC

Associate Members

Associate Members provide the NCC a benefit in kind, such as goods or software. These memberships are arranged on a bespoke basis and we are happy to discuss this in more detail with companies interested in this partnership.

Benefits include:

  • Access to NCC facilities for private venture work
  • Access to the NCC network including leading OEMs, material and equipment suppliers
  • Demonstrating and proving equipment/materials/software/hardware to Members
  • Opportunity to shape the future direction of the NCC via representation on the NCC Steering Board and NCC Research Committee (one place and vote per 10 Tier 2 and Associate Members)
  • Optional buy-in to a single project on the NCC Core Programme
  • Unlimited attendance at exclusive Members’ breakfast briefings and consortia building events
  • Up to three places on NCC open training courses
  • Unlimited bookable desks and meetings rooms (up to 10 people) at the NCC

SME Affiliate Scheme

SME Affiliate Members sign up to a year-long affiliation which is designed to provide affordable access to the NCC capabilities, expertise, training and networks, making composite materials research and development as accessible as possible to all levels of industry.

Benefits include:

  • Places on specialist training courses
  • Exclusive access to networking events and knowledge sharing sessions that address industry challenges
  • Exposure to other members and industry via the NCC's communication channels
  • Training on the NCC’s technologies and software packages
  • Bookable hot desk at the NCC’S HQ in Bristol, providing on-site access to advice from the NCC’s own specialist engineers

Interested in joining us?

Find out more about the benefits of Membership at the NCC. Complete our contact form so we can discuss your options. 

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