Council takes next step to restore Chesterfield’s historic Tapton House
Proposals to safeguard the future of Chesterfield’s historic Tapton House – ensuring the Grade-II* listed building can be restored and brought back into beneficial use – have been considered by Chesterfield Borough Council.
A sympathetic scheme which would see the building restored and converted for residential accommodation, together with a commitment to retain the parkland for public use and create visitor access to part of the Georgian mansion, was chosen as the preferred option by the council’s Cabinet on Tuesday (13 December).
The decision followed careful consideration of bids from 17 interested parties, with the council’s Cabinet approving the sale of the property on a 999-year ground lease to developers, Stone Castle Enterprises Ltd. The sale is subject to further legal due diligence and exchange of contracts.
Councillor Dean Collins, cabinet member for economic growth, said: “Just like the people of Chesterfield, we want to achieve the very best outcome for Tapton House. This is why we set out to find a new owner with the necessary expertise and financial ability to restore and refurbish Tapton House and safeguard its long-term future.
“The council’s Cabinet considered a detailed report on the bids received and the robust process that has been followed to evaluate and score each against a range of relevant criteria – including evidence of proof of funds, and that conservation and environmental matters have been properly considered.
“The offer put forward by the preferred bidder represents the most credible, sympathetic and financially viable option to restore and safeguard the building for generations to come, and the developers have made a commitment to work closely with the council, the Friends of Tapton House and the wider community, as their plans progress.”
Any development will still be subject to planning and conservation approvals, but the proposals put forward set out an aspiration to convert the main house into 15 apartments, with three town houses and two bungalows built in place of the annexe buildings.
Stone Castle Enterprises Ltd have confirmed that no hard boundary would be required and open public access to the parkland would continue. The developers would also seek to create a public heritage area in the building to ensure its past use as the home of Charles Paxton Markham and George Stephenson are celebrated and the importance of the property to the town’s history continues to be commemorated.
Councillor Collins added: “I would like to express the council’s thanks to all 17 bidders who submitted offers to take on this treasured asset. In arriving at a final decision on this important matter, Cabinet members also considered the many views that have been expressed and representations made at earlier council meetings – including the debate on the Friends of Tapton House’s petition.”
A spokesperson for Stone Castle Enterprises Ltd said: “Our vision for Tapton House is to reflect its heritage, honour its past and to create new homes within the space that are steeped in history but built for modern lifestyles.
“We understand the significance of Tapton House to the local community and as such our proposals include maintaining the current levels of public access to the grounds around the building and exploring the viability of developing part of the building to showcase Tapton House’s rich heritage.
“We look forward to working hard, alongside the council and the community, to deliver the best for Tapton House and for the town and borough.”
The Cabinet decision is subject to the council’s usual call-in procedures.
£400,000 invested into advanced surface texturing machinery company
Foresight Group, the listed private equity and infrastructure investment manager, has provided a £400,000 growth capital investment into Texture Jet Limited from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF).
The funding is part of a wider £650,000 funding round, alongside the University of Nottingham and members of the Minerva Angel Investor Group.
Founded in 2019, TextureJet is a University of Nottingham spin-out that has developed a range of patented surface texturing machines for use in manufacturing in the aerospace, medical and automotive sectors.
The process has widespread applications – in the automotive industry, it can apply textures on vehicle door frames, allowing the plastic housing to be attached; and, for medical device manufacturers, it can be used to etch a bespoke pattern onto a replacement joint at high precision. The company’s machines have been developed to offer a cleaner, easier, more sustainable and cost-efficient alternative to traditional, expensive and often polluting processes.
The founders, Dr Jonathon Mitchell-Smith and Professor Adam Clare, developed and commercialised the technology at the University of Nottingham. Having successfully spun-out of the University, the business is now scaling within the automotive and aerospace sectors. The investment, along with the support from Foresight and MEIF, will enable the management team to fully commercialise their technology.
Commenting on the investment, Dr Jonathon Mitchell-Smith, CEO of TextureJet, said: “We are delighted to have Foresight’s support through the Midlands Engine Investment Fund and look forward to using their experience and expertise in the region. This investment comes at a key stage in our growth journey, and it will be significant in helping us achieve our long-term commercial goals.”
Irfan Ashfak, investment manager at Foresight, said: “TextureJet has developed a truly unique range of machines and is well positioned to benefit from the market opportunities available. There is a need for a flexible, high-precision and non-toxic surface texturing method. We look forward to working with Jonathon and the wider team to support the growth of this innovative, local business.”
Record year in business for recruitment consultancy
Recruitment consultancy Prescient Group is looking back over a successful year as it records its highest output levels and sets sights on ambitious growth plans for 2023.
Born out of the pandemic in 2020 by seasoned recruiters Joel Fletcher, Charlotte Churm and Ed Robinson, the specialist firm has offices in Nottingham, Manchester and London and delivers its services across a number of sectors including supply chain, marketing, finance and HR.
Only in its second year of business, 2022 saw the team increase its turnover as it grew by more than 107% compared to 2021 – with an aim to grow by another 58% next year.
Since its inception, Prescient Group has built up its portfolio to more than 80 clients, as well as growing its services within its existing client base, and has expanded into the international market.
To support its client base, the team has grown to eight recruitment professionals – having appointed temps account manager Georgie Leech and permanent consultant Daisy Owen – and awarded three promotions within the last six months. Recruitment plans continue across its three offices, with a goal of reaching a headcount of 16 by next year.
Following the Nottingham office relocation this summer, which saw the team move to a bigger space in the city centre to accommodate its growth, the Manchester recruiters have also outgrown their space and recently moved into a bigger office within Spinningfields.
To celebrate and mark hitting its turnover goal, the managing directors took the team to Krakow this month and has provided other incentives such as team lunches, meals at a restaurant of their choice and after-work activities. Prescient Group has plans to go further afield next year, once they’ve hit their new targets.
Director Joel Fletcher said: “We’re proud to have achieved all the goals we set for 2022, and to be ending the year on record results for the business is a real high for us.
“Prescient Group was set up during the pandemic to simply provide an honest, ethical and first-class service, and this year is a testament to us delivering just that and the team’s hard work in doing so.
“This year we have expanded our services and more of our clients are utilising our offering. We have invested in specialist software to help us recruit more efficiently, capture more of the market and find job opportunities for our candidate base too. As well as this, we’ve been committed to growing and developing the team with bespoke training plans for our new starters and recruitment training.
“Charlotte, Ed and I would like to say thank you to all our employees, for their dedication and commitment this year, and our clients for their continued support. We look forward to further growth in 2023.”
Northampton construction consulting firm expands by 25%
The efforts and expertise of a Northampton-based construction consulting firm has led to the business growing by a quarter in the past 12 months.
Bhangals Construction Consultants have expanded by 25 per cent since this time last year, employing five new staff and taking the total workforce headcount to 26.
The construction experts, who use proven strategies to cut costs and speed up processes, have taken on an additional three estimators, one administrator and one further administrator who will start in January 2023 to support the growth of the business.
Managing Director Parm Bhangal said: “We’ve had a very busy year and our efforts have seen us put 25 per cent on to the business from last year. We are not complacent, there are a number of challenges we continue to face.
“With the way interest rates are going it will be difficult to pursue further growth, but we’ll do our best to push forward, keep up our first-class service and do the very best we can for our clients.
“We pride ourselves on delivering projects on time and on or under budget, every time. All our services are bespoke and tailored to customer needs and wants.
“This has led to more people coming to us on all fronts. They see us out there and know we can help with quantity surveying, architectural disputes and all that we offer. Ideally, I’d like to add another 25 per cent to the business in 2023 and I believe that is achievable.”
Three new appointments at WestBridge Group
Leicester-based tax consultancy and SSAS administration specialists, WestBridge Group has further strengthened its team following the appointment of Matt Gardiner, Hugo Witts and Sian Shade.
Matt and Hugo join WestBridge SSAS as account managers having previously worked in similar roles at Mattioli Woods. Sian joins WestBridge Tax as a senior associate having previously worked at Grant Thornton.
The new appointments are part of an ongoing strategy of growth which recently saw WestBridge Group acquire the employees, clients, and assets of Rowanmoor Executive Pensions Limited’s (REPL) book of 3,500 small self-administered schemes (SSAS), for an undisclosed sum. Following the acquisition of the REPL book, the firm now has offices in Salisbury and Bolton.
Matt said: “As well as carrying out SSAS administration on behalf of a portfolio of clients I am looking forward to being responsible for mentoring new starters and helping with the ongoing training of established team members.”
In his spare time Matt plays guitar in a band, and is also season ticket holder at Leicester City. He also coaches a local girls football team as well as being their Safeguarding Officer.
Hugo also lives in Leicester and has a BSc Economics and Politics and a Diploma in regulated financial advice. He said: “I enjoy working directly with clients and this will role give me an opportunity to look after my own pension clients whilst also adopting a pro-active approach to using systems to submit reporting information.”
In his spare time Hugo plays American Football for the Leicester Falcons #63, and was part of the squad that won the Division 1 National Championship in 2018.
Sian is part way through gaining her Chartered Taxation Adviser qualifications having already passed her AAT. She also has a Graduate Diploma (Law) and a BSc (Hons) Biochemistry.
In her new role, Sian will be working as part of a team working on tax advisory projects to advise companies and individuals on the tax implications of various transactions and proposing tax efficient solutions.
She said: “I chose to join WestBridge Tax as they are a recognised provider of quality tax advice and I will get the opportunity to be involved in high quality and challenging projects. The company offers the perfect mix of experience and breadth of knowledge whilst also retaining the personal approach and feel of a smaller firm.”
In her spare time Sian enjoys travelling and exploring new places, with weekends mostly spent supporting the various sporting activities her children participate in such as football matches and athletics meetings.
Sustained fall in temporary staff availability as Midlands candidates seek stability
The latest KPMG and REC, UK Report on Jobs: Midlands survey saw permanent placements return to expansionary territory and temporary billings fall further midway through the final quarter of 2022.
Wage inflation across the Midlands remained marked but softer than the rates recorded over much of the past 18 months. Temp staff availability continued to fall amid reports that candidates were seeking more job stability while candidates available for permanent roles increased for the first time since March 2021.
The KPMG and REC, UK Report on Jobs: Midlands is compiled by S&P Global from responses to questionnaires sent to around 100 recruitment and employment consultancies in the Midlands.
Upturn in permanent placements resumes
The seasonally adjusted Permanent Placements Index moved back above the 50.0 no-change mark in November, to signal a renewed increase in permanent staff appointments across the Midlands. That said, relative to the rates recorded over much of the past 18 months, the expansion in permanent staff placements was subdued. While some recruitment consultancies reported that there was a higher demand for permanent staff, others mentioned that economic uncertainty weighed upon hiring decisions.
Led by London, three of the four monitored English regions registered a reduction in permanent staff appointments. The Midlands, meanwhile, bucked the wider trend recording a renewed upturn.
Softer reduction in temp billings
For the third month running, temp billings received by recruiters in the Midlands decreased in November. Anecdotal evidence suggested that the reduction in temporary billings was linked to economic uncertainty and client cautiousness. The pace of decline, however, was only mild and the weakest in the current sequence.
A marked upturn in the South of England mainly drove the expansion in temp billings. The North of England and the Midlands, however, registered further downturns.
November data signalled slowdowns in the rates of vacancy growth across the Midlands midway through the final quarter of 2022.
Though still increasing sharply, the latest rise in permanent staff vacancies was the joint-softest since February 2021. Meanwhile, vacant positions for temporary staff rose at the slowest pace since January 2021. The upturns for both indices each remained weaker than their respective historical averages.
First increase in permanent staff availability since March 2021
For the first time in 20 months, the number of candidates available for permanent roles across the Midlands increased midway through the final quarter, albeit only marginally. Anecdotal evidence suggested that the increase was in some cases linked to redundancies, amid economic tightening at firms, as well as candidates seeking to move roles in a bid to secure higher salaries.
The downturn was led by the steepest reduction in the North of England since June. Meanwhile, the Midlands bucked the wider trend and was the only monitored English region to register an increase in permanent staff availability, albeit one that was only marginal.
Temporary staff availability falls at the slowest pace in 20 months
As has been the case since March 2021, the supply of temporary candidates in the Midlands fell in November. Surveyed recruiters frequently attributed the downturn to an increasing number of candidates who seek more stability in permanent placements. That said, the pace of decline was softer than in October and the slowest in 20 months.
Three of the four monitored English regions registered drops in temp staff availability with the sharpest decline seen in London.
Permanent salary inflation ticks up slightly
November data signalled that salaries awarded to new permanent joiners in the Midlands once again rose. The pace of salary inflation, though slightly faster than in October, was the second-softest over the past year-and-a-half. Increasing wages were reportedly driven by general inflation and shortages for skilled labour.
While all four monitored English regions reported higher permanent starting salaries, the Midlands recorded the sharpest increase and was the only region with a stronger rate of inflation than in October.
Slowest rate of temp wage growth since April 2021
Recruiters based in the Midlands signalled a sustained rise in average hourly rates of pay for short-term staff in November. The rate of wage growth edged down to a 19-month low, dipping below its historical average. Where inflation was concerned, panel members mentioned staff shortages. The North of England recorded the quickest rise in temp pay while the South registered the slowest.
Commenting on the latest survey results, Kate Holt, people consulting partner at KPMG UK, said: “Of particular note this month is the rise in permanent placements and starters’ salaries in the Midlands, in sharp contrast to the other three monitored English regions.
“This reflects the combined effects of employers recognising that the state of the economy has increased candidate need for job security and additional benefits. However, we expect wage growth to start trending down in the months ahead as businesses start to focus on other factors.
“Employers who are able to offer existing workers and candidates opportunities to upskill and reskill, rather than focusing solely on core pay, may well benefit most in this tight jobs market.”
Neil Carberry, Chief Executive of the REC, said: “This month’s data emphasises that while employers are moderately more cautious in the face of economic uncertainty, this is not yet a major slowdown in hiring. While permanent recruitment activity in the Midlands bucked the wider trend and increased, the rate of growth has slowed.
“In contrast to the national trend, permanent staff availability increased for the first time since 2021 in the Midlands. From discussions with REC members, this is primarily the result of redundancies and candidates looking to move for higher salaries.
“As the economic outlook weakens, we can expect to see falls from historic highs across our measures, but it is notable that pay and vacancies are still growing, although at a much lower rate.
“A flatter period in the labour market is inevitable in this current economic climate, but demand is being supported by some major underlying factors, including labour shortages and technological change.
“The main way to boost performance is to unlock growth by businesses putting their people planning first, as a strategic way to enhance productivity. Government can help through skills and immigration reform. Boosting growth is the only way to ensure a prosperous country for all of us.”
Nottingham manufacturer enters administration
Mazars, the international audit, tax and advisory firm, has been appointed as administrator of Firber Engineering Limited.
Based in Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottingham, the company, which was established in 1968, was set up to design and manufacture steel waste and recycling containers and had established a strong customer base.
Following several successful years trading, the Covid-19 pandemic affected sales patterns, resulting in diminishing profit margins. More recently the shortage of, and significant increase in, the cost of steel due to the war in Ukraine caused significant cash flow issues.
Given these difficulties, the directors decided that the company had to be placed into administration. The business has ceased to trade and all employees have been made redundant.
Simon David Chandler and Scott Christian Bevan of Mazars were appointed as joint administrators by the directors on 23 November 2022 and are seeking a buyer for all or part of the company’s assets.
Simon Chandler, joint administrator, said: “It is always disappointing to see a prominent Nottinghamshire company like Firber Engineering Limited cease trading.
“The business had traded successfully for over 50 years but, like many other businesses, has suffered from soaring costs associated with the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and the Ukraine war, which has resulted in the directors making the difficult decision to enter administration.
“Once this decision had been made, the directors were keen to act quickly to prevent the position for creditors worsening and so appointed administrators.”
West Northants successful in securing £5.4m funding from UK Shared Prosperity Fund
West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has been granted more than £5.4m in funding from the Government to boost the local economy over the next three years.
The funding, provided by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), is the largest allocation in the South East Midlands and will be used to improve people’s life chances, increase skills, create stronger communities, and support local businesses.
The Council submitted its investment plan back in September and underwent a robust consultation process which involved engaging with stakeholders to identify priority areas that would benefit most from a share of the funding.
The funding will be split between three key areas; ‘Communities and Place’ and ‘People and Skills’, with the largest portion assigned to Supporting Local Businesses.
Some expected outcomes from the funding include:
- New and improved cycleways and paths, resulting in increased active travel
- Funding for volunteer and social action projects
- Measures to reduce the cost of living, improve energy efficiency, and combat fuel poverty and climate change
- Decarbonisation and improving the natural environment
- Support for new business start-ups and continued support at all stages of development
- Driving employment growth, with tailored support and training to help people into work.
Local leaders discuss £1.14bn East Midlands devolution plans
The Government has confirmed its commitment to supporting devolution for Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Derby, and Nottingham.
Speaking remotely at a conference about devolution at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Nottingham, Lee Rowley MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities said: “We all know there is more that can be done and the opportunities to do more are ones we should seriously consider. We have an unrivalled geographical position in our country, brilliant transport links, and fantastic entrepreneurial companies.
“We are serious about wanting to empower the East Midlands.”
The event was also attended by the leaders of Derbyshire County Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, Derby City Council, and Nottingham City Council as well as other local political leaders, and representatives for universities and colleges, emergency services, businesses, and voluntary and community groups.
Devolution proposals for Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Derby, and Nottingham were discussed, and everyone was encouraged to have their say by taking part in the consultation, which is open until Monday 9 January 2023.
The conference included breakout sessions looking at specific aspects of the plans in more detail, including what devolution would mean for housing, transport, skills and adult education, and the environment.
Craig Parkin, chief fire officer at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “I think it’s hugely important. The public and the communities of both the counties and cities rely on their blue light services, and we need to know and be involved in the architecture and the design of the future of public services and how we serve our communities.
“I think it is great to see so many people from across both cities and counties here. People appear to be having a free opinion and a free voice about it, and that’s got to bring a lot of richness together and we need to be part of that.”
Natalie Gasson-McKinley, development manager for the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “The devolution bid and consultation is a fantastic opportunity for everyone across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire to hear about the plans that are happening but also to help shape those plans.
“The scale of the opportunity is huge, done right. There are lots of decisions that are made centrally around adult education budgets, around infrastructure, transport, so to have the opportunity for local people and local decision makers to shape those things and to really impact them is a really once in their lifetime opportunity.
“For small businesses in particular, the opportunity to shape their local economic environment is crucial. There’s so much happening to businesses at the moment. It is a really tough and challenging time. So to have decision makers placed locally, who can really impact and make positive change, is everything to those businesses right now.
“I’d encourage businesses, communities, anybody really to get involved with the consultation and to speak to people about what’s happening, because it is really important to share those views about what you want to see.”
It is proposed that the new Combined County Authority, which would include representatives from existing local councils, and would cover Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Derby, and Nottingham, would be known as the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA). The EMCCA would be led by an elected mayor representing both counties and both cities.
The devolution consultation opened on 14 November and is due to close on 9 January 2023. It’s a chance for everyone in the area to have their say about the devolution proposals, and it is open to residents, businesses, community and voluntary groups, and other organisations.
An in-person devolution information event is taking place at Nottingham Council House on Wednesday 21 December for people without access or with limited access to the internet, with no need to book.
Residents can also find out more about the devolution proposals at an online public engagement meeting on Wednesday 4 January. People can join with no need to book, by visiting www.eastmidlandsdevolution.co.uk/have-your-say
The leaders of Derbyshire County Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, Derby City Council, and Nottingham City Council all signed up to work on a devolution deal on 30 August this year at Rolls Royce in Derby, following an announcement from the Government that a package of new powers and funding, worth £1.14 billion, were available for the area.
Since August the councils have been working on a more detailed proposal for how devolution would work in our area, which is the basis of the consultation.
The four councils agreed to go ahead with a public consultation in the autumn, so everyone has the chance to give their views on the plans.
Barry Lewis, leader of Derbyshire County Council, said: “Devolution is about getting a better deal for Derbyshire and the East Midlands and achieving a fair share for our region. It will bring us more money and mean we can make more meaningful decisions here, rather than in London.
“This deal will bring more and better jobs and opportunities for training, improve the local economy, result in better transport and housing, and accelerate our route to Net Zero. I encourage everyone to take part in the consultation and give us their views on devolution.
“A devolution deal, should it be agreed, would be the beginning, not the end. We’re determined to build on this deal over time, as other areas have done.”
Ben Bradley MP, leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “It’s great news that we’re moving forward with devolution plans for Nottinghamshire and the wider area. I’m really pleased that we’re making progress with this.
“Devolution can bring real benefits for local people, as it has done in other parts of the country. It will mean more funding for our region, and the opportunity to have more meaningful decisions made here, near the people they affect, rather than in London, so they can be better tailored to local needs.
“This is an opportunity to create jobs, boost our economy, enhance transport, build more and better homes, improve our environment, and more, and we need to grab it with both hands. I don’t want our area to miss out on a chance to improve things for everyone who lives and works here.
“Devolution can help us be more effective locally, make better use of public money, and most importantly, improve people’s lives. It would lay the groundwork for us to build on in the future, to benefit future generations.
“I’d encourage everyone to take part in the consultation and give us their views on the devolution deal.”
Chris Poulter, leader of Derby City Council, said: “The East Midlands has long been overlooked and held back compared to other areas of the country. The cities and counties in our region should have a bigger voice, and this devolution deal would give us the influence, funding, and powers that we deserve.
“The investment in this deal will bring with it many opportunities. We could see more jobs, better transport and housing, an enhanced greener environment, and more value for money of services provided for our people.
“The proposals that we’re consulting on are just the beginning, and we’re determined to build on it over time. I would encourage everyone to give us their views on the deal by taking part in the consultation.”
David Mellen, leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “This deal has the potential to make a significant difference and local people would see the real benefits from the investment with more and better jobs, housing, training and much more.
“For too long this region hasn’t had the investment it needed and deserves – by working on a deal we can start to address this, but this is just the start, and I will make sure that we get our fair share and make the most of this funding.
“Importantly the deal would give us more control over our own area, where local people would have a say in the region’s priorities rather than decisions made in London. I look forward to hearing people’s views on the deal when the consultation launches.”
Devolution would provide the region with a guaranteed income stream of £38 million per year over a 30-year period, and would cover around 2.2 million people, making it one of the biggest in the country.
If the plans go ahead, it will mean a new regional mayor and it would create the first of a new type of combined county authority for the two counties and cities, which requires new legislation from central government.
The new elected regional mayor, like those who are already in place in other areas, would represent the whole area. The role of the mayor would be to look at major issues affecting the whole region, give the area a bigger voice, and take advantage of local knowledge and expertise.
As well as the £1.14 billion, devolution plans include an extra £16 million for new homes on brownfield land, and control over a range of budgets like the Adult Education Budget, which could be better tailored to the needs of people in our communities.
Devolution would mean that a future mayor and combined authority could:
- Work towards Net Zero and cleaner air with new low carbon homes, retrofit existing houses with external wall insulation, promote the use of renewable energy, and protect and enhance green spaces, like areas for wildlife and green verges.
- Build on the region’s existing knowledge and expertise in green technology and promote the growth of a future low carbon economy by investing in related skills training at colleges and other training facilities.
- Set up and coordinate smart integrated ticketing and enhanced concessionary fares schemes.
- Work with Homes England to build more affordable homes, by using new powers to buy land and housing (with district and borough council consent).
- Enhance the region’s economy by developing new commercial space to maximise opportunities.
- Work with national government on initiatives to address homelessness, domestic abuse, community safety, social mobility, and support for young people.
- Take advantage of economies of scale by using combined and devolved budgets to deliver more value for taxpayers and more cost-efficient services.
SMEs invited to register interest in £3m Made Smarter fund
Growth Hubs have combined to win £3m of funding to help increase the skills and productivity of manufacturing businesses in the East Midlands.
Government will extend Made Smarter to the East Midlands as part of a programme which will be open to small and medium-sized firms in Leicester and Leicestershire.
The funding will be used to help manufacturers boost productivity by implementing digital technology and improving leadership and management skills.
Made Smarter East Midlands aims to advise more than 400 small and medium-sized businesses, undertake 133 business assessments, provide intensive support to 70 businesses, and boost the leadership and management skills of 36 senior manufacturing leaders.
It will also help businesses implement more automation and take advantage of new technologies such as 3D printing, artificial intelligence and virtual reality.
The benefits of new technology include:
- Reducing inefficiencies and cutting waste
- Increasing sales growth and new market opportunities
- Overcoming capacity and resource issues
- Boosting competitiveness
- Increasing resilience, agility and your ability to innovate.
- Made Smarter East Midlands launches soon. Register your interest now at https://bit.ly/LLEPmadesmarter
