13 April 2006

Bentleys give students insight to industry

Award-winning Dundee contractor Bentleys Shopfitting has joined an initiative which aims to give students from the University of Dundee direct exposure to industry.

The initiative was set up by the University for third-year Interior and Environmental Design students in Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design. . The project aims to link industry with education, and as a result students have been working with staff at Bentleys learning how projects are won and managed and how design drawings are developed, all key skills in the design and manufacturing industry.

Students who recently attended Bentleys' Dundee offices and workshop have already expressed interest in understanding the process of how their design drawings enter into the manufacturing process.

Bentleys Managing Director Alan Walker said "We are delighted to be involved in this initiative with the University. We have been early supporters for this scheme which gives the students a real insight into how industry really works and we intend to continue our involvement in future years".

Bentleys, who were recently a finalist in the Tayside Business awards, were delighted to be given the opportunity to show off their recently extended joinery workshop area. In addition to hand crafted bespoke and specialist design products, the company are now able to machine and assemble items such as door sets, shelving and counters in volume.

Glenn Stewart, teaching fellow in the School of Design at the University, said, "This project is a great learning experience for the students and highlights the importance of communication between the designer and contractor through all stages of the design process. We are delighted that Bentleys have provided such support for the project, and we hope that other interested Dundee businesses may support us in future."

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For more information, please contact Lynsey Dear, Bentleys Shopfitting Limited on 01382 818800 or lynsey.dear@bentleys-shopfitting.co.uk

Background to Bentleys Shopfitting Limited

Bentleys Shopfitting was established in 1987 and is based in Balgray Place in Dundee. Primarily a shopfitter, Bentleys provide an interior fit out service, manufacturing of bespoke joinery products and a small project facility.

Employing over 50 staff, Bentleys work throughout the UK for clients and over the past 18 years, that has included some of the UK’s top retailers and interior designers.

The Shopfitting division of the company employs 4 highly trained and proactive project managers. A 5th project manager is dedicated to running smaller projects for clients such as planned maintenance, re-brands, property refreshments and minor alterations to interiors.

The manufacturing division of the company operates from a 50,000 sq ft joinery workshop at Balgray Place and includes a bench shop, machine shop, spray finishing area and a high volume assembly area. Around 30 skilled operatives are based at the workshop.

Although known as a shopfitter the range of installations that Bentleys carry out is much wider and includes public houses, universities, colleges, banks, offices, hotels, museums and leisure facilities. Our aim is to provide our clients with a premium quality service and product at a competitive price and consider repeat business to be of paramount importance.