Black Country engineering business teams up with academics to service the circular economy Black Country SME Alphadrive Engineering Services is working with Aston Business School to help customers embrace the sustainability agenda. The Black Country company joined the school’s Advanced Services Group SME Partnership programme to tap into free academic expertise and support to develop a range of bespoke recycling products, services and solutions. Alphadrive was established 10 years ago as a traditional precision engineering business selling industrial supplies to local scrap yards. It soon spotted an opportunity to help customers with their recycling by refurbishing shredders and gradually explored new ways of supporting the circular economy. It is now working with Aston academics to help deliver a comprehensive range of services, including design of bespoke equipment, consultancy, maintenance and monitoring.