From its home at the Bristol and Bath Science Park, engineering design facility the Centre for Modelling and Simulation (CFMS) has just launched an exciting new collaborative, knowledge-sharing membership scheme in its mission to advance engineering design capability in the UK.
With the new scheme in place, the not-for-profit facility will be looking to help companies from across tech and engineering sectors (including aerospace, automotive and energy) with a focus on high value design capability. CFMS promises its members access to insights and intelligence from industry leaders across the UK through a whole host of events. As CFMS’s Business Development Manager Steve Puetz tells us: “This is engineering and simulation for the whole community.”
“We promote advanced modelling and simulation, supporting the experimentation of new ideas and techniques”
Sam Paice, chief operating officer of CFMS, adds: “We promote advanced modelling and simulation, supporting the experimentation of new ideas and techniques. One of the roles we fulfil is bridging the gap between industry and academia, while we also provide the opportunity for SMEs to access the best-in-class technology that would normally be the preserve of major primes.
“The membership scheme is designed to help organisations really maximise their engagement with CFMS and make the most of the opportunities here.”
- You may like: Tech Incubator Profile: Bristol & Bath Science Park
As well as promoting advanced modelling and simulation and taking part in major projects such as offshore wind power project SWEPT2, CFMS support the experimentation of new ideas and techniques and work to bridge the gap between industry and academia. They also provide the opportunities for SMEs to access the best technology available for them to advance in line with larger companies. Steve explains: “Larger commercial partners recognise the need to keep engineering and design in the UK.”

Community of engineers: High-tech professionals meet and share
ideas in CFMS’s smart offices at the Bristol and Bath Science Park
“We’ll be increasing the number of events we organise,” says Sam, “both featuring our own experts and those from our partners. What makes CFMS unique is having the physical and virtual infrastructure and technical expertise all in one place.”
“CFMS are one of a small number of organisations in the UK who are pushing the boundaries of innovation in advanced engineering”
Iain Gray, chairman of Bristol & Bath Science Park, adds: “CFMS is one of a small number of organisations in the UK who are pushing the boundaries of innovation in this area. The strength of its connections has built initiatives like this and made an important contribution to the local and national economy.”
To find out more about CFMS and its collaborative membership scheme, visit the CFMS website. You can stay up-to-date with its events and opportunities by following its Twitter: @CFMSuk. You can also follow the Bristol & Bath Science Park: @bbsciencepark

Shona Wright
Shona covers all things editorial at TechSPARK. She publishes news articles, interviews and features about our fantastic tech and digital ecosystem, working with startups and scaleups to spread the word about the cool things they're up to.
She also oversees TechSPARK's social media, sharing the latest updates on everything from investment news to green tech meetups and inspirational stories.