UK Department for Trade and Industry's Biotechnology promotion programmes: BMB1, BMB2, BioWise

The Department of Trade and Industry launched the first Biotechnology Means Business (BMB) Initiative in 1992, and a second BMB initiative was launched in 1995. In 1997, a subsequent programme was announced (BioWise). The programmes provided a comprehensive package of measures to help small and medium sized industrial enterprises (SMEs) understand the potential of Biotechnology as a key to competitiveness and as a source of new opportunities.

Environmental Biotechnology Limited (EBL) was appointed to advise these initiatives as a result of demonstrated technical expertise and a track record in the identification of environmental biotechnology applications in the chemical, food & drink, paper, water and waste treatment sectors. EBL staff have given presentations at numerous Roadshows around the UK and have provided advice to more than 150 companies on key environmental and biotech issues, funded by the UK Government.

Most recently (April 2002) EBL staff were re-appointed as Independent Biotechnology Specialists to the BioWise Programme (1997-2002).

Projects undertaken have included:

• the use of biological treatment methods for Legionella

• waste minimisation and treatment at Abattoirs

• fish waste treatment options

• ammonia treatment at a fish farm

• treatment of textile, coating and wool scouring effluents

• composting and anaerobic digestion of food waste and MSW

• dairy effluents and effluent from a childrens food formula factory.

• reed bed treatment systems for domestic effluent

 

Reed Red Treatment Systems