Project to strengthen supply chains launches
From Left to Right: Samir Dani Professor of Logistics and Supply Chain Management at the University of Huddersfield, Robert Johnson Managing Director Craftsman Tools, Caroline Mawer Procurement Manager Carnaud Metal Box, Gordon Maclean Managing Director Probado, Dr Paul Needham Head of Engineering BAE Systems, Simon Gibson Managing Director AUS Ltd, Stephen Gregory Head of Regional Engagement University of Huddersfield, Professor Liz Towns Andrews Director of Research and Enterprise University of Huddersfield. A PROJECT set up to support business supply chains has been launched in Huddersfield.
The Leeds City Region Supply Chain Programme – which covers Kirklees and Calderdale – aims to support 150 local businesses a year to improve their supply chain performance, or enter other sectors, over the next three years.
The programme is funded by The European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) and The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
The initiative offers companies consultancy and EU funded grants to implement action plans for improvement. Run by the University of Huddersfield, the programme will operate from the 3M Buckley Innovation Centre (3M BIC) in Firth Street, Huddersfield, headed up by Steve Gregory.
At the launch speakers included Ken Brockbank, of Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP), and Professor Samir Dani, Professor of Logistics and Supply Chain Management at the University of Huddersfield.
Prof Dani discussed supply chains of the future, the implications of Brexit to businesses and the application of Industry 4.0. The evening concluded with refreshments and an opportunity for networking.
Mr Gregory said: “Here at Huddersfield University we are excited to announce the launch of the LCR Supply Chain Programme.
“We have an experienced business engagement team from the manufacturing and business support sector which we have combined with a strong academic knowledge to provide an excellent support service to local companies.
“In these ever changing times it is opportune that we are launching this significant programme.”
Andrew Wright, chairman of the LEP Business, Innovation and Growth (BIG) Panel, said: “This new programme is a perfect fit to meet the needs of the Leeds City Region manufacturing sector.
“Manufacturers benefit from being able to operate in multiple supply chains and this support will help the regions businesses to access new supply chains, accelerate growth and increase productivity.”
Businesses wanting more information on the Supply Chain programme can contact Steve Gregory at s.gregory@hud.ac.uk.