Four in five universities and higher education colleges now see the exchange of knowledge and expertise with business and the wider community as a central part of their mission.

For over 25 years, Bigbury Mint in Totnes, Devon, has been using traditional hand and machine equipment to design historical coinage and bespoke medals.

This small family firm turned to Innovate at the University of Plymouth’s Faculty of Art, to update its ways of working.

Innovate helped develop a patented process that uses digital technologies to capture, model and produce finely detailed reproductions of 3D portrait artwork. A team of consultants from the university is helping the Mint cut costs, increase market share and become more profitable using the new digital processes.