Driving innovation in cleaning technology

Vax, the UK’s leading floorcare brand, faced mounting challenges as it sought to transition into the premium product segment while maintaining its competitive edge in value markets.

However, the company faced several challenges, including limited internal capabilities in computational fluid dynamics (CFD), a critical area for driving innovation. Additionally, stringent EU EcoDesign and Energy Labelling regulations demanded the development of energy-efficient and high-performance products.

Vax’s ambitions also extended to competing in international markets such as France and Germany, which required differentiated, cutting-edge product designs. Addressing these challenges required expertise in advanced simulation techniques and the development of tools and methodologies to improve the efficiency of the product development process.

Recognising the need for external expertise, Vax partnered with the University of Salford’s School of Computing, Science & Engineering through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) funded by Innovate UK.

What do Funders, content producers, and audiences value?

• Funders: Innovate UK and Vax invested in the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) to drive sustainable economic growth. They valued the opportunity to address skills gaps, accelerate R&D processes, and establish the UK as a leader in cleaning technology.
• Content Producers (Vax’s R&D Team): The team prioritised tools and knowledge that would enable faster prototyping, improve product performance, and ensure compliance with new regulations. They valued the integration of tools like CFD and the transfer of academic expertise to internal teams.
• Audiences (Consumers and Retailers): End users valued vacuum cleaners that combined energy efficiency, high cleaning performance, and affordability. Retailers sought innovative products that aligned with evolving consumer preferences and regulatory requirements.

The KTP was designed to align these values, ensuring all stakeholders benefited from a shared vision of innovation and market leadership.

Creating a meaningful evaluation framework

To measure the success of the partnership, a robust evaluation framework was established. This began with a baseline analysis of Vax’s existing R&D capabilities and market position. Key performance indicators (KPIs) such as time-to-market reduction, product performance improvements, and financial outcomes were defined to track progress.

The framework also incorporated regular milestone reviews to monitor progress for market readiness. Training modules on CFD and fluid dynamics were monitored to ensure effective knowledge transfer, while long-term sustainability was assessed to gauge the continued value of the tools and methodologies developed during the project.

A robust evaluation framework was developed to track the partnership’s progress and outcomes:

• Baseline Analysis: Conducted an in-depth assessment of Vax’s existing R&D capabilities and market position.
• KPIs: Defined key metrics, including reductions in prototyping time, product performance enhancements, and financial returns.
• Milestone Reviews: Regularly monitored advancements in technology, training effectiveness, and market readiness.
• Knowledge Transfer: Tracked the delivery and application of training modules on CFD and fluid dynamics to ensure the long-term sustainability of skills within Vax’s R&D team.

The partnership brought significant advancements to Vax’s R&D processes. By integrating CFD capabilities into the product development cycle, the company reduced prototyping time by 60% and enhanced key performance metrics such as suction power and dirt pickup rates. These improvements allowed Vax to develop a range of innovative products, including a high-performance passive cleaning head and a multi-cyclone separator that set new industry standards.

In addition to these technological achievements, the project also strengthened the skills and knowledge within Vax’s R&D team. Eight training modules were delivered, embedding advanced expertise in fluid dynamics across the organisation. The creation of a comprehensive technology roadmap further ensured that these advancements would continue to drive innovation well beyond the partnership’s duration.

By the project’s conclusion, Vax had successfully launched six new premium product platforms, with an anticipated increase in turnover of £12 million within the next two years.

The Knowledge Transfer Partnership proved transformative for Vax, not only achieving the immediate project goals but also delivering lasting benefits across the organisation. The company emerged as a global leader in separator development and fluid dynamics expertise within its parent company’s R&D network. This strengthened position has allowed Vax to take on a leadership role in innovation across its international operations.

The partnership also ensured alignment with regulatory and consumer demands, with the new products exceeding EU energy efficiency requirements and appealing to environmentally conscious buyers. Furthermore, the improved R&D processes and methodologies have enabled Vax to maintain its competitive edge, driving sustained growth and cementing its reputation as a leader in cleaning technology.

Through this collaboration, Vax successfully bridged the gap between academic expertise and commercial application, creating a sustainable framework for innovation that continues to deliver measurable impact.