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Free hot showers for community struggling with energy crisis thanks to Oldham Active

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Local residents will have access to free hot showers thanks to Oldham Active’s (Oldham Community Leisure) ‘Shower and Go’ initiative to support people in the Oldham community struggling to pay for heating and heat hot water in the colder months.

Shower and Go follows the launch of Oldham Council’s wider initiative in creating welcoming, heated, sheltered spaces for those who cannot afford to put the heating on. The move will see places like libraries turned into Warm Banks as part of the council’s £3m plans to tackle the cost of living crisis.

Shower and Go is available from 16th October 2022. To access the showers people must first register, confidentially, for the scheme. Young people (under 16s) as part of a family group will not need to register separately. The ‘Shower and Go’ scheme will be on offer at the following locations:

  • Oldham Leisure Centre – All Opening Times
  • Royton Leisure Centre – All Opening Times
  • Saddleworth Leisure Centre – All Opening Times
  • Failsworth Sports Centre – Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 6-7pm, Saturday & Sunday 3pm-5pm
  • Radclyffe Athletics Centre –Monday – Friday 6pm onwards and Saturdays

The showers will be provided in 10 minute slots, with shower gel and shampoo provided too. People will need to provide their own towels.

Kelly Tattersall, Oldham Active Community and Partnership Manager says: “The option for people to have access to free warm showers and to be able to get clean is a basic human right. As a charitable organisation it was important for us to be able to provide these facilities to people and families who maybe struggling this autumn and winter. Oldham Active is determined to support our local community during these difficult times, and we want to make sure nobody is left to suffer as the weather gets colder. We will provide hot showers to those most vulnerable, treating them with respect, dignity and a warm welcome.”

Councillor Barbara Brownridge, Oldham Council Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care says: “As always, partnership working is vital for these initiatives to work, so we are delighted that through our work with Oldham Active, we can offer more help and support for our communities through the cold winter.  Projects such as these are so important, as we all know with the current economic climate and challenges with utilities that people will be finding it hard. The provision of a free shower is a simple but important offer and we are delighted this scheme is there for the borough as part of our We Can Help support campaign.”

Kelly continues: “Times are tough for everyone, but it is local residents on the lowest incomes who are feeling the brunt of rising prices the most.  Our team of friendly staff will be on hand to help or to answer any questions, and if you are struggling and need further help, they will be trained to provide and signpost you to other warm and food bank schemes in the area.”

The online link for more information and how to register for Shower and Go is https://oclactive.co.uk/shower-go/

EHE release book to help entrepreneurs secure funding & growth.

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Manchester based EHE Capital have released a book to help entrepreneurs make it easier to secure funding and grow fast.

The book, ‘Fast growth through funding. Entrepreneurs helping entrepreneurs achieve the extraordinary’ is an honest, informative and practical guide which helps to navigate the path of investment and fast growth from a founders perspective.

EHE, which stands for ‘entrepreneurs helping entrepreneurs’ was founded by entrepreneur-turned- investors, Guy Remond and Gary Fletcher and helps connect entrepreneurs with investors, whilst also providing free education and advice to those looking at fast growth.

The book covers the fundamentals of fast growth and investment and includes;

  • The mindset you need for fast growth in your business.
  • What foundations you need in place to achieve fast growth and attract investors.
  • Due diligence and how to prepare for it.
  • Which funding options are available at different stages in your journey.
  • How to prepare for a successful and profitable exit from your business.

The foreword is written by Carl Castledine, Chief Executive of Away Resorts who said ‘One of the reasons this book is so valuable to entrepreneurs seeking funding for fast growth is that it covers such a broad spectrum of funding types and explains when different types of funding are appropriate in different entrepreneurial journeys.

The EHE Group was founded on the principle of entrepreneurs helping entrepreneurs, which is precisely what this book does so well”

Guy Remond, founder of EHE said ‘our mission at EHE is to help entrepreneurs to grow fast, whether that’s pragmatic advice available through our weekly podcasts and blogs, or providing investment advice and opportunities through our platform. The book consolidates a lot of the conversations we’re having with entrepreneurs, as well as drawing on our own personal experience. It’s a great mix of practical advice, anecdotes and information on all aspects of growth and funding. Including a really handy entrepreneurs dictionary at the back.’

OUT NOW! Fast Growth Through Funding: Entrepreneurs helping Entrepreneurs achieve the extraordinary

EHE Capital is a high growth investment partner, connecting entrepreneurs with relevant investors whilst also providing a range of free content and education modules which help prepare an entrepreneur for their investment journey.

HURST STAFF REACH NEW HEIGHTS FOR WILLOW WOOD

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Intrepid staff at accounting and business advisory firm HURST have reached new heights to raise thousands of pounds for a Greater Manchester hospice.

HURST partner and director of practice development Simon Brownbill and Rebecca Leech, an associate in HURST’s business services team, led the way with sponsored tandem skydives from 15,000ft.

Meanwhile a team of 25 HURST colleagues completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge – scaling Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough in 12 hours.

Seven others undertook a cycle ride along the Tissington Trail in the Peak District, covering a total of 26 miles there and back, while a group of six took part in an open swim at Sale Water Park in Greater Manchester, clocking up 7km in total, followed by a 10km walk.

The endeavours mean HURST has now raised more than £13,000 for Willow Wood Hospice, which is based in Ashton-under-Lyne and provides care and support throughout Tameside and Glossop.

Willow Wood is HURST’s charity of the year for the second year in a row, as Covid impacted the firm’s fundraising ambitions in 2021.

Simon said: “Willow Wood does amazing work and our team was keen to help them out with some creative fundraising efforts.

“We’ve had groups of people doing some amazing things for the charity. I’d always wanted to try a skydive, and having the opportunity to do one for such a great cause was awesome.

“As well as raising money, we have supported Willow Wood directly, with a number of staff volunteering in its shop, distribution centre and at the hospice itself, and by the firm donating a number of computer monitors.”

Rebecca said: “I was inspired to do the skydive for Willow Wood as it was something I’d always wanted to do and I couldn’t think of a better reason to do it than to raise money for this lovely charity.

“I have a family friend whose mother was looked after at the hospice, and they have spoken so highly of the care that she received. It’s a very worthy cause to jump out of a plane for!”

The hospice provides care for people who have been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness. It has an 11-bed unit for palliative and end-of-life care. All of the rooms have en-suite facilities, a garden view and a private patio.

Willow Wood also provides holistic therapies, a dementia café, home support and bereavement support. It costs around £3m a year to run the hospice.

Mark Llewellin, vice-chair of Willow Wood’s board of trustees and its acting head of income generation, said: “Our sincere and grateful thanks go to the HURST team, who have pulled out all the stops to support Willow Wood this year.

“After voting for us as their charity of the year, they have not only volunteered in our shops, distribution centre and at the hospice itself, but have also raised thousands of pounds with their many and varied challenges.

“Their commitment has been fantastic and we are very proud to be associated with them. We wouldn’t be able to care for patients and their loved ones without supporters such as the team at HURST.”

Top 100 Law Firm Express Solicitors Ranked in Chambers & Partners 2023 for Clinical Negligence

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Express Solicitors Listed in the 2023 Chambers & Partners Rankings

Express Solicitors are proud to announce that they have been ranked in Chambers & Partners in the 2023 edition of Chambers UK – a Client’s Guide to the UK Legal Profession.

The Chambers & Partners rankings are one of the most trusted independent directories of UK legal services, identifying the leading firms and lawyers in the UK in their respective areas of law.

In the 2023 edition Express Solicitors has been ranked for Clinical Negligence in Band 3, alongside other leading and national firms.

In Personal Injury, Richard Lowery, Partner and Head of Employers’ Liability at Express Solicitors has been ranked in Band 2 as a Leading individual in this field.

Richard said “I am delighted to be ranked in Band 2 by Chambers and Partners which I hope demonstrates the effort I have expended trying to help injured clients over the last 25 years.“

In relation to the firm’s position, Chambers UK states:

What the team is known for:

“Express Solicitors has an accomplished practice with a growing reputation in clinical negligence. The firm is frequently involved in negligent surgeries and delay in diagnosis claims. The team is particularly adept at assisting claimants with cases involving brain and birth injuries, including cerebral palsy cases, as well as misdiagnosis of cancer claims. It is additionally experienced in fatal incidents.”

A testimonial from both a Barrister and a client of Express Solicitors was featured to highlight strengths:

“The team has complete mastery of the clinical subject matter.”

“The team is thorough and methodical and answers any questions in a timely and professional manner.”

Managing Partner, James Maxey said “It is wonderful to see our firm ranking in Chambers & Partners. We have worked hard to develop our departments with technical legal experts to deliver the best service for our clients. We have aspirations to be ranked even higher and have more Leading Individuals ranked in the next Chambers & Partners within the fields of Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence.”

SLATER HEELIS CONTINUES TOP-RATED STREAK WITH RECOGNITION IN CHAMBERS UK 2023

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With six of its specialists listed in Chambers UK 2023, Manchester-based law firm Slater Heelis has received industry recognition for a twelfth consecutive year.

It’s the second time in two months the firm has received national acknowledgement within the legal sector, coming on the back of recent success in the Legal 500 rankings, which saw 16 of the firm’s solicitors listed. Together, the Legal 500 and Chambers UK are the legal industry’s most prestigious honours.

Marking a hugely successful year, Simon Wallwork, Partner at Slater Heelis, receives his first ever Band 1 ranking in Chambers UK.

This recognition is the highest standard of excellence for the legal sector, demonstrating Simon’s accomplishments as one of the foremost lawyers in the country.

The family team at Slater Heelis received a prestigious Band 2 ranking for the fifth year running, with lawyers Kim Aucott, Mark Heptinstall, Phillip Rhodes, and Patricia Robinson all receiving individual recognition.

Consultant Ken Salmon continues to be acknowledged for his significant expertise and skill in the field of construction law. He received the “Senior Statesperson” accolade for the eighth year in a row this year, reflecting his success as one of the top lawyers in the North West.

Chambers and Partners ranks solicitors and law firms across the United Kingdom based on their accomplishments over the previous 12 months, including standout work, strategic growth, and excellence in client service.

200 analysts conduct the annual study, gathering tens of thousands of responses from clients through in-depth interviews.

Chris Bishop, Managing Partner of Slater Heelis, comments:

“We are pleased that, for the twelfth year in a row, the performance and expertise of our solicitors and departments have been recognised in the Chambers Rankings. It is a significant accomplishment that gives our clients assurance they’re in the best hands, and solidifies our standing as one of the North West’s top legal experts.

“We strongly believe in continuous improvement, so it is incredibly satisfying to see the Chambers Rankings reflect this. Simon’s achievements in the last twelve months are an example to us all.”

Hollis celebrates 30 years of business in Manchester

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International independent real estate consultancy Hollis is celebrating 30 years of business in Manchester.

The firm first entered the North-West market in 1992, with current Director and Head of European Operations Jamie O’Brien taking over as head of the Manchester office shortly after his appointment in 2004. David McBride succeeded O’Brien as the head of the Manchester office in 2019 after more than 10 years’ working with the firm.

In the last three decades the team has grown substantially, both in service offering and workforce, now employing a team of 29 people including specialists in dilapidations, development monitoring, project management, ESG, party walls and neighbourly matters, planned maintenance and reinstatement cost assessments. During that time Hollis has worked on many of the city’s most iconic buildings and been involved with some of the largest real estate transactions, including 125 Deansgate, Media City and the CIS Tower.

Commenting on the milestone, David McBride, Director and Head of Hollis in Manchester, said: “The real estate sector in Manchester has evolved considerably over the past 30 years and continues to provide opportunities. The city and its surroundings have seen significant investment from local, UK and overseas investors in both commercial and large-scale residential property projects over that time, and there continues to be healthy growth and development.

“We are delighted to be part of this exciting and changing marketplace, and we will adapt to ensure we continue to deliver excellent professional and commercial consultancy services to our clients over the next 30 years. To mark three decades of growth, innovation and best-in-class client service, we look forward to celebrating with the people that have been pivotal to our ongoing success story, and say a big thank you to all our people and our clients who have joined us along the way. Here’s to the next 30!”

North West in short supply: Despite 62% growth in local jobs, the region is threatened by a logistics recruitment crisis

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  • The North West is the UK’s biggest home to the logistics sector, providing 13% of all jobs within the industry
  • Despite the region experiencing a huge 62% growth in available roles over the past decade, new research reveals that 90% of people have NEVER considered a career in logistics.
  • In the midst of a cost of living crisis, a starting salary in the logistics sector is up to 67% higher than the minimum wage for 18-20 year olds, and up to 20% higher for those aged 21 years and older.
  • New research reveals that two thirds of people rate a ‘good work-life balance’ as their most important consideration for a career (69%), closely followed by ‘high rates of pay’ (66%).
  • Launch of industry and government-backed campaign, Generation Logistics, works to plug the skills gap as it combats common misconceptions around the industry, to highlight the diversity of opportunity and career prospects, and support and encourage the next generation of talent.
  • The campaign is part-funded by the Department for Transport alongside various logistics companies including Amazon, DHL and more, who recognise the dire nature of the situation.

Despite being the UK’s biggest home to the logistics industry and providing 13% of all logistics jobs, the North West is facing a critical recruitment crisis, with businesses across the region significantly struggling to fill available roles. Well known for being one of the largest manufacturing hubs, with a focus on Automotive and Aerospace, Pharmaceuticals and Chemicals, the growing effects of recruitment within logistics may well have a severe knock-on effect to this, if the future of the workforce isn’t fulfilled.

A new high profile campaign, Generation Logistics, which has received backing from the government and companies including Amazon, DHL and Wincanton, urges people to consider a career in logistics; a career path that 90% of the UK have never considered.

While nearly half of all those questioned recognise that the sector is crucial to keeping the country running (40%), the new research reveals that logistics roles are currently not seen as favourably for those seeking employment as jobs in Media and Internet (27%) and Healthcare (23%), and is beaten only by Energy & Utilities (9%) for least desirable. Generation Logistics’ mission is to change this.

The recent research also showcases that the majority of people now consider a ‘good work-life balance’ as the most important consideration when choosing a career (69%), closely followed by ‘high rates of pay’ (66%). With an average starting salary for a role in logistics up to 67% higher for 18 – 20 year olds, and up to 20% higher for those aged 21 years and older, combined with double the number of jobs available in 2022 when compared to last year, the logistics industry provides valuable career opportunities for those at any stage of their career.

These new findings follow the launch of an industry and government-backed campaign, Generation Logistics which aims to challenge perceptions and raise awareness of the opportunities within the sector. Created in collaboration with Logistics UK and The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT UK), the new initiative aims to bring the industry together, challenge outdated perceptions, and pave the way for a new and diverse workforce.

Aimed at audiences including young adults aged 16 – 24 years, career switchers, and maternity or paternity leave returners, Generation Logistics brings to life a new platform designed to highlight the many benefits of working in the industry and outline how logistics roles can, and do, meet the highest priorities of the next generation of workers.

Offering an online hub full of resources, learning materials and job openings, alongside partnerships with leading industry bodies, trade associations and vital core businesses across all freight modes including Amazon, DHL and many more, Generation Logistics will make it significantly easier for people to kick start their career in the industry and pave the way for the future of logistics.

Phil Roe, President at Logistics UK, commented: “The pandemic truly shone a light on the logistics industry, underlining the importance of our key workers and the critical role our sector plays in everyday life. With that in mind, it’s crucial we do all we can to engage with the next generation to encourage them to bring their talents to our industry. We are hoping to puncture some of the myths around the sector, and provide a clear, practical pathway for those who want to explore whether a career in logistics could be for them – from truck drivers through to data scientists, robotics engineers and everything in-between.”

Bethany Windsor, Programme Manager of Generation Logistics, added: “Filling roles in logistics is a challenge, as many people do not know we exist, or appreciate the breadth of jobs available. Through Generation Logistics, we will raise awareness of the many opportunities available, but also highlight the accessibility of those opportunities at all levels – from school levers to those seeking a career change later in life. Over the next 12 months we’ll be highlighting all the exciting opportunities that logistics has to offer to professionals at all levels and from all backgrounds. From self-driving vehicles to state of the art warehousing, logistics has something for everyone, and we’re looking forward to sharing it!”

For more information, please visit: www.generationlogistics.org

Over half of North West small businesses make survival their six-month priority, as Meta offers free office space

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  • 26% of small businesses surveyed in the North West fear that their business may close in the future, of which 51% fear so in the next 12 months.
  • More than a quarter (26%) used less energy in the last six months to ease the burden of spiralling costs.
  • Meta is launching “Space for Good Ideas”, offering North West businesses free access to office space to help with cost of living this winter.
  • Entrepreneur Grace Beverley to participate in free Meta Good Ideas Studio in Manchester, a two-day workshop of digital skills training, expert talks and networking sessions for small businesses

Over a quarter (26%) of small business decision makers in the North West fear their business may close, while over half (55%) say a major business priority in the next six months is survival – according to new data.

The research, conducted online by YouGov and commissioned by Meta, polled decision makers of North West companies with fewer than 50 employees. The findings cast stark light on the challenges facing firms as they seek to navigate the ongoing effects of the pandemic, soaring energy bills, rising interest rates and the cost-of-living crisis.

Almost a third (29%) of those polled worry their business won’t be able to keep up with their outgoings during the year ahead while over a quarter (26%) admit to using less energy to save on bills. Two in five (42%) say reducing costs would be crucial to their firm’s future success.

Small business support

With the cost of living expected to reach extraordinary heights this winter, Meta is launching “Space for Good Ideas,” offering small businesses in the North West the opportunity to apply for free access to office space and ease the burden of their rising costs throughout some of the toughest months. Businesses of fewer than 50 employees can apply at fb.me/goodideasstudios by November 25th 2022.

Meta has also teamed up with successful entrepreneur and CEO of sustainable activewear brand Tala and fitness brand Shreddy, Grace Beverley who will be participating in Meta’s Good Ideas Studio – a free event where local small business leaders can attend insightful panels, talks, workshops and trainings to help them grow their businesses, primarily online. The event will be held in Manchester at 1830 Warehouse, M3 4FP on 24–25 November.

These initiatives are the latest in Meta’s long-held commitment to giving small businesses the tools they need to better connect with their audiences and drive growth. This year, the company has supported 960,000 UK small businesses with digital skills training as part of the Meta Boost programme.

Business leaders provide personal financial support

Despite the tough operating landscape faced, one in five (20%) small businesses in the region have increased their staff’s salaries in the past six months. One in ten (10%) have given their employees a one-off or regular bonus, with 4% giving pay advances or direct support with bills to staff. Meanwhile, nearly one in five (18%) say that having the office space/building costs of their business covered would see them employ more staff or give current workers a pay rise.

Steve Hatch, VP Northern Europe, Meta, said, “Small businesses are the lifeblood of the UK economy and right now they face the challenge of a lifetime just to keep the lights on. We know there’s no one fix to the challenges faced, however we believe through helping both online and offline we can provide support to local businesses in need. This is why we’re offering small businesses in the North West the opportunity to apply for free office space in a bid to ease costs.

“We also look forward to welcoming many local small business leaders to our Good Ideas Studio to learn about the many ways to help their business grow and succeed.”

INTERNATIONAL INVESTORS SEEK VALUE IN KEY UK CITIES AS POUND IS WEAKENED BY POLITICAL UNCERTAINTY

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Following an extended period of uncertainty in the property market in recent years, caused by Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic, 2021’s Indian summer, which saw house prices in the UK rise by 10.8%, recent political turmoil sparked by the ousting of Boris Johnson and Liz Truss’ disastrous Mini Budget has led to rising inflation, spiralling interest rates and a plunge in the value of the Pound.

Whilst this is causing issues for domestic purchasers it is an opportunity not lost on discerning international investors looking to take advantage of a strong Dollar.

Since the Mini Budget caused a sharp drop in the value of the Pound against the Dollar, leading International Property Consultants LH1 Global has received a significant influx of enquiries from overseas buyers within its network, with a focus on developments in key UK cities, such as Manchester, Leeds and Bradford.

Rayna Hunter, CEO of LH1 Global, commented: “We specialise in the sales and marketing of significant developments in the UK and have built a strong international network. Enquiries and sales to overseas buyers is constant throughout the year, with Asia, more specifically Hong Kong ramping up in the last few months, but the recent political turmoil has seen a noticeable rise in interest, with many looking to strike whilst the iron’s hot.

“Interestingly, we have seen buyers return to the market from South Africa, Qatar, Dubai and USA in large numbers, after a period of inactivity from these regions in recent years.”

LH1 Global developments in Manchester, Bradford and Leeds have registered the most enquiries, as international investors look for value in key growth areas of the UK to further safeguard an investment made during a period of political uncertainty in the UK.

Rayna added: “The most popular apartment types with overseas buyers looking to capitalise on the weak pound are those with lower capital values offering higher yields in city centre developments. The most popular units range from one-bedroom apartments typically priced from £120,000 to £250,000, as well as smaller two-bedroom homes ranging from £250,000 to £375,000.

“The larger units offer more of a discount with the currency exchange, but command a higher capital value, which compresses the future yield potential. This trend certainly isn’t a gold rush, decisions are being made with long-term planning, but the immediate savings are speeding up the decision-making process.”

A further factor driving international interest in UK property is a lack of reliance from overseas buyers on the UK mortgage market, meaning they are largely unaffected by rising interest rates, which allows them to be more agile than domestic purchasers.

Rayna said: “I don’t believe this is a flash in the pan, instead an aligning of factors that have led overseas buyers to make the move now. The majority of the enquiries we have received are from those that have been looking to make the move for a while, but the current situation presents an opportunity to reduce capital expenditure, whilst they are also benefitting from a slight drop off in the domestic market that has reduced competition.”

For further information on LH1 Global and its wider development portfolio contact Tel: 0207 129 7900 or Email: [email protected]

Food manufacturer adds digitalisation to the menu with Made Smarter support

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Firstplay Dietary Foods is adding digitalisation to the menu with £120,000 automation investment

A food manufacturer, specialising in low protein products, has boosted productivity and growth after investing in technology through Made Smarter.

Firstplay Dietary Foods, based in Stockport, makes a range of low protein products for people with metabolic conditions like Phenylketonuria (PKU) which leave people unable to eat protein without risking brain damage.

With a growing international demand from patients and dieticians, due to the increased number of countries delivering newborn screening, the business has invested £120,000 in new digital machinery, increasing its blending capacity, while replacing a manual weighing and packing process with automation.

As a result, the business has increased production capacity 10-fold, reduced human error and waste, and is forecast to increase turnover by 30%.

In addition, two operators are now focussed on more value-add activities such as sales and complex packing tasks.

Tom Fletcher, Managing Director, said: “Our growth has been organic with only occasional investment to update our production processes.

“Our partnership with Made Smarter changes that. We have a long-term strategy and a digital roadmap to follow to achieve those goals. My only wish is that we had done it sooner.

“By replacing a manual low-skilled task with automation, we are able to do much more with the resources we have, as well as upskilling our existing staff, which to a small business is extremely valuable.”

Firstplay was established in 1993 by Steve and Linda Fletcher to help people living with PKU, an inborn error of metabolism which affects roughly 1 in 10,000 people in the UK.

Over the decades the business has grown steadily, innovating its product range to include dried pasta, flavoured pasta sachets, breads, baking mixes, snacks and soups, for an increasing global market.

With ambitions to target emerging markets in China, tthe Middle East and America, Firstplay needed to address its manufacturing productivity and efficiency challenges.

But a key bottleneck in the production process was the manual weighing and packing of certain products which had a limited capacity of about 600 packets per day, and was open to errors and waste.

With grant support from Made Smarter, Firstplay invested in a powder packaging machine, which includes an automated multi-head weigher and powder filler. It works by loading the product through a hopper, digitally weighs and corrects the amount of product, and then dispenses and seals it into a bag before delivering it for boxing.

The new equipment also introduced a live data feed, giving management real-time overview of variables such as the running speed of the equipment, total giveaway, and average weights over the course of a shift.

The outcome has been transformative, increasing the number of sachets it can produce from 600 per day to 6,000 sachets per day.

Digital process control means that packets are more consistently filled, improving quality and reducing waste, both in time and in packaging materials.

With a roadmap to digital transformation in hand, Firstplay is now exploring a series of projects including data and systems integration technology to link its new machinery with a barcode scanning system for stock control, and implementing business and production software for better data analytics to improve production efficiency.

Donna Edwards, Made Smarter’s North West Adoption Programme Director, said: “We are delighted to be supporting Firstplay on the first stage of its digital transformation. It is a  fantastic example of a business using technology to automate a process, creating growth and upskilling existing roles, while laying the foundation for further improvements.

“Firstplay is among hundreds of manufacturers in the region grasping the opportunities offered by Made Smarter which include expert, impartial technology advice, digital transformation workshops to help take that first step to transform a business, and support with technology investment. I would encourage other SME manufacturers to do the same.”

For more information, visit www.madesmarter.uk

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