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Useful Links

• Directories
• Business Start Up and Strategy Information
  This Business Link (UK) site give practical advice for business about startin up, finance and grants, taxes, employing people, health and safety how to explout your ideas IT and e-commerrce and much more.
  http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/home
• Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform
  BERR is the voice for business across Government. This website provides information about BERR?s priorities and policies. BERR and its delivery partners also provide a range of practical assistance to business: Better Regulation Executive - find out what Government is doing to cut red tape. A new report states that cuts in red tape are saving UK businesses and third sector organisations more than £800m per year. www.betterregulation.gov.uk - to submit ideas for improving or simplifying regulation. Business Link - for advice on how to start, run or grow a business. UK Trade & Investment - for help with expanding your business overseas, or with locating in the UK.
  http://www.berr.gov.uk/
• Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS)
  The Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) is responsible for the development, funding and performance management of the science and research base across the UK, so that the UK continues to develop a world-class research base responsive to users and the economy, with sustainable and financially strong universities and public laboratories and a strong supply of scientists, engineers and technologists. DIUS funds the seven Research Councils, which allocate public funds to support research projects and teams.
  www.dius.gov.uk/policy/science.html
• Engineering Solutions International
  Enineering Solutions specialise in the permanent and temporary placements of jobs in a wide selection of jobs worldwide.
  http://www.engineeringsolutions.com/
• European Agency for Safety and Health at Work
  Our mission is to make Europe's workplaces safer, healthier and more productive. We do this by bringing together and sharing knowledge and information, to promote a culture of risk prevention. Located in Bilbao, Spain, we have a dedicated staff of occupational safety and health (OSH), communication and administrative specialists. At the national level, we are represented through a network of focal points, which are usually the lead OSH bodies in the individual Member States. The Agency is a tripartite organisation, this means that we work with governments, employers and workers representatives. We are a single reference point for OSH information. We commission, collect and publish new scientific research and statistics on OSH risks.
  http://osha.europa.eu/
• Global Sources Industrial Links
  Metra Martech is a specialist marketing and IT consultancy. Based in London, the company has been established for over forty years and is the result of a management buy-out in 1989 from the SEMA/SOFRES Group. Our clients range from smaller high tech specialists to world class industrial and governmental organisations. Ask us for a list.
  http://www.metra-martech.com
• Laser Cutting Services
  Find laser cutting including plastic laser cutting, laser cutting job shops, CNC laser cutting and more. From laser cutters and acrylic laser cutting to laser drilling, you will find the laser cutting you need. Use the time-saving Request for Quote tool to submit your inquiry to all the laser cutting services and companies you select.
  http://www.laser-cutting-services.com/
• Machine 4 Sale
  Find new and used CNC lathes, milling, EDM, laser and fabrication machinery
  http://machines4sale.co.uk/
• The Better Payment Practice Campaign
  Helping to effect positive change in the UK payment culture. The Better Payment Practice Group and its individual members have taken reasonable care in sourcing and presenting the information contained on this web site, but no responsibility is accepted for any financial or other loss or damage that may result from its use.
  http://www.payontime.co.uk
• The Institute of Physics Consultancy Group Network
  The Network of the Consultancy Group of the Institute of Physics comprises active, independent consultant physicists who fall into all of these categories. Between us we cover most of modern physics, though it is fair to say that we tend to concentrate on those areas of maximum relevance to modern industry. Our members include optical designers, programmers, project managers, general managers, translators, technical financial experts, electronic engineers, and those with many other skills.
  http://www.physics-business.co.uk
• Thomas Regional Directory
  Search ThomasNet, industry's most trusted brand, built on the 100+ year legacy of Thomas Register. Get supplier information on everything from Actuators to Zirconium and all the parts, components, materials, equipment, composites and services in between.
  http://www.thomasnet.com/index.html
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• General Associations
• Applied Industrial Research Trading Organisations
  Association of Independent Research and Technology Organisations: increasing profitability by the application of science, engineering and technology in industry. airto's mission is to influence industry, universities and government to work together nurturing infrastructure which will drive forward the UK economy.
  www.airto.co.uk
• BERR Manufacturing Advisory Service
  MAS South East provides hands-on practical support delivered by manufacturers for manufacturers - the result is real bottom line benefits. The Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) is an initiative originally set up by the Department for Trade & Industry (DTI) but is now the responsibility of the Department for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform (BERR). The Manufacturing Advisory Service South East (MAS South East) provides straightforward and practical advice and support to improve and encourage manufacturing competitiveness in today's global market.
  www.mas-se.org.uk
• Department of Innovation , Universities & Skills
  This new Department brings together functions from two former departments. Science and innovation responsibilities from the Department of Trade and Industry. Skills, further and higher education from the Department for Education and Skills. To build a dynamic, knowledge based economy the new Department will draw together the nation's strengths in colleges, research, science and universities. To ensure the wider personal, community and cultural benefits of education and science are supported, the Department will work closely with other departments (including the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR), Department for Children Schools and Families (DCSF), Department for Central and Local Government (CLG) and Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and others).
  http://www.dius.gov.uk/
• Photonics Knowledge Transfer Network
  The UK has over 700 small companies developing specialist photonics applications, ranging from laser technologies to operating systems. This number further increases when related sectors such as displays are included. There is an opportunity to change the fragmented nature of the photonics industry to achieve wide-scale success. The Photonics KTN will tap into the wealth of knowledge in UK universities and other government-funded research centres, attract more large companies, and identity technology partnering opportunities to meet the requirements of the industry.
  http://www.photonicsKTN.org
• Photonics21
  Photonics21 is a voluntary association of industrial enterprises and other stakeholders in the field of photonics in Europe. It unites the majority of the leading Photonics industries and relevant R&D stakeholders along the whole economic value chain throughout Europe. Presently, we can count as members more than 700 stakeholders who come from 32 countries. P21 undertakes to establish Europe as a leader in the development and deployment of Photonics in five industrial areas (Information and Communication, Lighting and Displays, Manufacturing, Life Science and Security) as well as in Education and Training. Its mission is the coordination of the research and development activities in Europe among all the contributing partners from education, basic research, applied research and development to manufacturing and all relevant applications.
  http://www.photonics21.org/
• The Institute of Engineering Designers
  The Institution of Engineering Designers (IED), established in 1945, is the UK's most prestigious professional body for designers operating in the many fields of engineering design - product design, architecture, the marine, automotive and aircraft industries and many more. It is licensed by the Engineering Council UK to assess candidates for inclusion on ECUK's Register of Professional Engineers and Technicians and accredits courses for their training. Once members have achieved the appropriate academic and competence standards they are rewarded with Chartered Engineer, Incorporated Engineer or Engineering Technician status, as appropriate.
  www.ied.org.uk
• The Knowledge House
  You need some help Taking the next step can be difficult. Where do you find world-class help to get that idea off the drawing board and into production, to develop that process that will open new markets, to up-skill your people for the challenges ahead? And how are you going to fund it? We can provide it As a group, the universities of the North East represent a huge store of skills, expertise and resources. There are thousands of academic staff and research students available for consultancy work. So who will analyse your problem, help you access this network, find the appropriate experts to assist you and manage your project?
  www.knowledgehouse.ac.uk
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• Interesting Links
• History of Lasers
  ... when the first lasers were operated, I and other scientists close to the research were surprised at how easy it turned out to be. We had assumed that, since lasers had never been made, it must be very difficult. But once you knew how, it was not at all difficult. Mostly what had been lacking were ideas and concepts. - Arthur L Schawlow, 1981 Nobel Prize for Laser Spectroscopy (Talbot)
  http://ffden-2.phys.uaf.edu/212_fall2003.web.dir/James_Becwar/history/
• Schawlow and Townes Invent the Laser
  The invention of the laser, which stands for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation, can be dated to 1958 with the publication of the scientific paper, Infrared and Optical Masers, by Arthur L. Schawlow, then a Bell Labs researcher, and Charles H. Townes, a consultant to Bell Labs.
  http://www.bell-labs.com/history/laser/
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• Laser Associations
• CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) Laser Association LAS
  Laser Association (LAS) was established in Moscow in April of 1990 as a non-governmental and non-profit organization. LAS promotes the information exchange in the laser field by publishing special bulletins, reference-books, catalogues, by organizing laser exhibitions and workshops, etc.; helps in establishing of mutually useful and beneficial contacts between LAS members and with LAS members, acts as an independent expert and consultant on lasers and laser applications in Russia and other former USSR countries.
  www.cislaser.com/eng/docl.htm
• European Laser Applications Network
  The European Laser Applications Network (ELAN) is a newly formed organisation for 'the promotion of laser technology in industrial sectors in Europe by co-operative actions'. We intend to keep ELAN a loosely structured network.
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• Make It With Lasers
  Make It With LasersTM is a non-profit making long-term programme designed to help industry increase productivity, reduce costs and improve quality by the application of lasers within the manufacturing process. It is committed to the transfer of existing, well-proven technology to generate a competitive edge in world markets. The strategic importance of Make It With Lasers? is recognised by Government and industry alike.
  www.miwl.org.uk
• OpTIC Technium
  Opto-electronics Technology and Incubation Centre - St Asaph, North Wales, UK Give your opto-electronics business the best start in life. OpTIC gives start-ups everything they need the best possible start on the route to long-term success. This Incubation Centre can host up to 24 young technology businesses start-ups in units of up to 150 sq m. Why OpTIC? Technium OpTIC enables business growth in opto-electronics and related technologies.
  www.optictechnium.com
• Scottish Optoelectronics Association
  The Scottish Optoelectronics Association (SOA) was launched in October 1994 with the objective of "stimulating economic growth in Scotland through the knowledge, manufacture and application of Optoelectronics." SOA was a founder member of both the UKCPO (www.ukcpo.org) and IOA (www.ioassociation.org). The UK Consortium of Photonics and Optics is an umbrella organization for UK regional and technology optoelectronics associations. The International Optoelectronics Association (formally ICOIA) is a voluntary informal coalition of national optoelectronics associations.
  www.optoelectronics.org.uk
• Swiss Laser Net
  The Swiss Laser Network is a consortium between Swiss laser manufacturers and users. It works with many additional partners, see their website for further details.
  www.swisslaser.net
• The Laser Institute of America
  The Laser Institute of America (LIA) is the international society for laser applications and safety.
  www.laserinstitute.org
• Welsh Optoelectronics Forum
  The Forum is a consortium of Welsh companies, University research groups, users and support organisations, formed following the impetus of activities in North Wales, and is dedicated to the development and profitability of the opto-electronics sector in Wales and internationally. Opto-electronics is all around and part of everyones daily life, and probably those who will gain most from the Forum are the people and companies for whom the technology currently forms a small part of their work.
  www.wof.org.uk
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• Publications
• Electronic Engineering Times - Asia Online
  Electronic Engineering Times - Asia Online provides a specialised newspaper on line with the latest news, views and events in the electronics world around the Pacific Rim.
  http://www.eetasia.com
• New Journal of Physics
  Co-owned by the Institute of Physics and Deutsche Physikalische Gesellschaft, New Journal of Physics (NJP) is an open-access, electronic-only journal publishing original research across the whole of physics. The journal's Editorial Board and staff are committed to building NJP into the leading scientific journal in its field by publishing articles of outstanding scientific quality that merit the attention and interest of the whole physics community. NJP is available free to readers around the world and is funded by article publication charges.
  http://www.iop.org/EJ/njp
• Photonics Publishing and Physics News
  With 4.8 million page views annually, Photonics.com is clearly the first place industry professionals turn to when they need an authoritative, comprehensive source of photonics information. Photonics.com reports on what's timely and of interest to the photonics community: news, technology advances, research, company changes and profiles, new products, feature articles and major industry events. The site also features the electronic editions (and archives) of the award-winning Photonics Spectra magazine; online versions of the Photonics Corporate and Buyers' Guides, the Photonics Handbook and the Photonics Dictionary; and trade show coverage along with a calendar of courses and events. In 2007, we launched two new resources on the site: Biophotonics.com, a section devoted to the latest photonics news and research in the medical and biotechnology fields, including highlights from Biophotonics International magazine; and PhotonicsPays.com, with job postings, résumés and career tools to help you grow your company and maximize your earning potential. Photonics.com also distributes four e-newsletters to keep industry professionals current on the latest news and product information.
  http://www.photonics.com/
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• Standards
• American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
  As the voice of the U.S. standards and conformity assessment system, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) empowers its members and constituents to strengthen the U.S. marketplace position in the global economy while helping to assure the safety and health of consumers and the protection of the environment. The Institute oversees the creation, promulgation and use of thousands of norms and guidelines that directly impact businesses in nearly every sector: from acoustical devices to construction equipment, from dairy and livestock production to energy distribution, and many more. ANSI is also actively engaged in accrediting programs that assess conformance to standards ? including globally-recognized cross-sector programs such as the ISO 9000 (quality) and ISO 14000 (environmental) management systems
  http://www.ansi.org
• British Standard Institution (BSI)
  BSI provide organizations from all sectors with best practice solutions and standards that represent and support the needs of business and society in the UK and worldwide. BSI are providers of training and conferences, information and knowledge on standards, management systems, business improvement and regulatory approval. BSI also have the resources and expertise to devise and institute a testing regime that will meet virtually any international standard or manufacturer?s specification.
  http://www.bsi-global.com
• CEN - European Committee for Standardisation
  CEN, the European Committee for Standardization, was founded in 1961 by the national standards bodies in the European Economic Community and EFTA countries. Now CEN is contributing to the objectives of the European Union and European Economic Area with voluntary technical standards which promote free trade, the safety of workers and consumers, interoperability of networks, environmental protection, exploitation of research and development programmes, and public procurement.
  http://www.cen.eu/cenorm/homepage.htm
• CENELEC - European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
  CENELEC, the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization, was created in 1973 as a result of the merger of two previous European organizations: CENELCOM and CENEL. Nowadays, CENELEC is a non-profit technical organization set up under Belgian law and composed of the National Electrotechnical Committees of 30 European countries. In addition, 8 National Committees from neighbouring countries are participating in CENELEC work with an Affiliate status.
  http://www.cenelec.org
• FDA/CDRH - Food & Drug Administration
  The Center for Devices and Radiological Health is part of the US Food and Drugs Administration. The Administration providers Regulation, standards and guidance to Consumers, Patients, Professionals, Industry and other Enforcement Agencies within the USA.
  http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/
• Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
  The HEalth and Safety Executive's is the Enforvcement Agency in the UK and its mission is to protect people's health and safety by ensuring risks in the changing workplace are properly controlled. HSE look after health and safety in nuclear installations and mines, factories, farms, hospitals and schools, offshore gas and oil installations, the safety of the gas grid and the movement of dangerous goods and substances, and many other aspects of the protection both of workers and the public. Local authorities are responsible to HSC for enforcement in offices, shops and other parts of the services sector.
  http://www.hse.gov.uk/
• Healthcare Commission
  The Healthcare Commission is the independent inspection body in the UK for both the NHS and independent healthcare
  http://www.healthcarecommission.org.uk/
• International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)
  Founded in 1906 with British scientist Lord Kelvin as its first president, the IEC has a long history of service to the market. THe "About Us" section explains in comprehensive terms our role, our goals, some of the more interesting parts of our history, who the IEC work with and what all the acronyms stand for, plus more.
  http://www.iec.ch
• International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
  ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is the world's largest developer and publisher of International Standards. ISO is a network of the national standards institutes of 157 countries, one member per country, with a Central Secretariat in Geneva, Switzerland, that coordinates the system. ISO is a non-governmental organization that forms a bridge between the public and private sectors. On the one hand, many of its member institutes are part of the governmental structure of their countries, or are mandated by their government. On the other hand, other members have their roots uniquely in the private sector, having been set up by national partnerships of industry associations.
  http://www.iso.ch
• Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V - laser safety internet database, giving quantitative information on
  On June 20, 1986 the Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. (LZH) was founded under the patronage of the German State Ministry of Trade, Industry, Technology, and Transportation in Lower Saxony. The institution?s legal form is that of a registered association. The association?s main task is to support applied research in laser technology on a non-profit basis. The LZH is involved in: R&D projects in the field of laser development and laser applications Technical and scientific consulting to link research and practice Industry-oriented training of experts for applying and operating laser systems
  http://www.laser-zentrum-hannover.de/en/publications/db_lasersafety/index.php
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