Dr. Amanda J. Longmuir
Managing Director Imhotep Ltd
Mansfield

 

 

What I do: My company specialises in the development of innovative process technology for the manufacture of thermoplastic composites that can have the aesthetics of plastic extrusions with the mechanical performance of aerospace composites.  Such as I do everything from making the tea, mathematical modelling of the process, running the process line, design of tooling, product design models, materials selection for the different products, sourcing materials and equipment, sweeping up, raising finance, administration, to sales and marketing of the resultant products and processes.

My favourite projects: Panda Stix:  we created a process whereby we use recycled plastic with strong glass fibres to form a robust, brightly coloured rot-proof plant support.  This project was not only technically demanding in terms of the process technology but was also an interesting challenge when it came to its marketing.  Bra Supports:  Imhotep was awarded at DTI SMART award for a feasibility study into redesigning more efficient and comfortable supports for lingerie.  This has been a very complex design and materials selection problem and is currently being patented before we attempt to commercially exploit it.

Who I work with: This again varies so much every day – I work closely with my co director Jonathan Wilcox, talk with fanatical begonia growers about their plant needs, negotiate with garden products distributors about selling our products, with material suppliers for the best deal for our raw materials, technical directors in partnership with manufacturing companies regarding joint licencing agreements, disgruntled women about their problems with their bras, other manufacturers interested in our products or technology.

Why I enjoy my job: The best bit about working for myself is that I can now put my ideas into action straight away.  It is all down to me.  I make the decisions about what I am going to do and when I am going to do it.  I am not restricted in my actions by the edicts of faceless managers etc.  I suppose I can say that I have the strength of conviction in my own ability; this unfortunately was not something I had the opportunity to display or was allowed to demonstrate previously in my non-academic career.  Now, however, it is true I can only blame myself if it does not work, but it also means I can accept all the glory when it does.

What I studied: PhD in Composite Materials at the Composite Materials Engineerig Centre, University of Newcastle.BEng (Hons) Materials Science and Engineering, Materials Department, University of Liverpool. A Levels in Physics, Maths and Chemistry 

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