FAQs: Consultancy

• Why do Consultancy?
• What is the difference between Contract Research and Consultancy?
• What is Exeter Enterprises Ltd?
• How will the contract be managed?
• When working with an organisation do I need to treat the work as confidential?
• Who is authorised to sign contracts?
• At what stage should I get in touch with Research & Knowledge Transfer?
• How can RKT help?
• Do you charge a fee?
• What is covered by this fee?
• What is IPR and where do I get advice?
• Who will do any negotiation?
• Can the University provide any warranties, guarantees, and indemnities?

Why do Consultancy?

Consultancy generates income by providing revenue and is one of the principal mechanisms by which universities can practically transfer knowledge to the wider community. It widens the knowledge base of the University and often leads to other forms of collaboration including research projects. Plus it raises the profile of the University both nationally and internationally by establishing relationships and enhancing the University’s reputation. In addition, University Staff can benefit through contributions to Personal Development Accounts and broadening of career interests.

What is the difference between Contract Research and Consultancy?

The University has charitable status, with its core aims being to undertake research and higher education.  Contract research falls within the University's charitable remit, whereas commercial Consultancy activity does not.  As such Consultancy projects must be managed through the University's subsidiary company Exeter Enterprises Ltd.  See RKT's Decision Support Tool

What is Exeter Enterprises Ltd?

We manage consultancy through two linked companies, Exeter Enterprises Ltd, for Exeter-based staff and UEC Enterprises Ltd for staff based in Cornwall.  Both are wholly owned University subsidiary companies and follow the same processes.  These ensure the commercial risks of consultancy are managed professionally and they protect the University's charitable status. 

How will the contract be managed?

In order to make everyone’s rights and responsibilities clear and to provide legal protection for all, the University will seek to set up an agreement to cover any consultancy activity with the organisation. To help streamline the process RKT has developed a set of template contracts appropriate to the nature of the work. Alternatively, we appreciate that some companies may wish to use their own contracts where we can manage the review and negotiation if required.

When working with an organisation do I need to treat the work as confidential?

It may be appropriate to treat the information that you discuss with a sponsor as confidential. If you have any concerns about the material that you wish to discuss with a sponsor, it may be necessary to put in a Non-Disclosure Confidentiality agreement which can be done quickly and easily. Please give us a call and we can arrange this for you.

Who is authorised to sign contracts?

There are only a select number of people that have the authorisation to sign contracts on behalf of Exeter Enterprises Ltd and UECE Ltd.  A number of these are based in Research & Knowledge Transfer, so if you have a contract that needs to be signed, please get in touch and once the terms & conditions have been agreed with the client we will arrange the necessary authorisations.

At what stage should I get in touch with Research & Knowledge Transfer?

If you think your project could be Consultancy, please get in touch with Research & Knowledge Transfer as soon as possible, even if only to have an initial discussion. We will be able to guide you through the process and make sure that you are covered throughout

How can Research & Knowledge Transfer help?

Research & Knowledge Transfer has extensive experience in dealing with sponsors on this type of work and will be able to guide you through the process as well as be able to help with the practical details of setting up this type of project.

Do you charge a fee?

A Consultancy service charge of 15% of the total contract value up to a maximum fee of £3,000 is charged. 

What is covered by this fee?

The fee covers items such as costings and pricing, negotiating, administration, professional indemnity insurance, invoicing, payment chasing, project management and legal support.  Both Exeter Enterprises Ltd and UECE Ltd covenant profits back into University of Exeter, the parent institution.

What is IPR and where do I get advice?

There are two types of IPR to consider when starting a project:

1. Background IPR: this is pre-existing information, techniques, know-how, software or materials that are provided by one party to another for use in a project.
2. Foreground IPR is any new techniques, know-how, software or materials created as a result of the project.

IP is often a hotly debated topic with sponsors. It is therefore worth trying to come to an agreement with the sponsor regarding IPR as early as possible. We deal with IPR on a case-by-case basis and if necessary, we have a dedicated IP Manager in Research & Knowledge Transfer to facilitate a fair compromise with the sponsor.

Who will do any negotiation?

Research & Knowledge Transfer can negotiate any aspect of the project that you wish, including the project scope, price, payments, IPR and terms and conditions.

Can the University provide any warranties, guarantees, and indemnities?

It is the University’s policy to carry out work at the highest standards in order to maintain excellence. However, it is not possible to provide any specific guarantees over results of a project. Furthermore we will not normally accept any liability for the use of any results by the sponsor.

Contact the Contract Research and Consultancy team

We are always happy to talk with you to discuss your project and options.

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