Broadening Manufacturing Horizons

Manufacturing companies from West Lancashire are being urged to take part in a major government scheme highlighting the business benefits of broadband internet connectivity.

'Broadening Manufacturing Horizons' is already proving successful in East Lancashire, where ten firms are taking advantage of new broadband technology - and now the Lancashire Digital Development Agency is looking for more local businesses to get in on the act.

The pilot project was designed to stimulate companies into using high-speed internet connections to solve common manufacturing problems across a variety of functions - from concept design and production to quality and supply chain management.

Manufacturing and IT experts take an initial look into a client's day-to-day practices and draw up a report highlighting areas that could be improved through broadband enabled technologies.

The team then get to work on sourcing the best solutions and present their findings back. Once approved, the plan is implemented by skilled technicians - saving the company from having to source and fund their own experts.

It is aimed at businesses that have been looking at broadband ICT solutions but have not yet moved forward and companies that have the technology in place but don't believe that they're getting the best from it.

Project director Steve Wilkinson said: "The attraction lies in the 'try before you buy' approach, which allows small companies to make use of the broadband connectivity.

"Lancashire has one of the highest concentrations of manufacturing businesses in the country and these businesses need to be supported in a meaningful way. By using broadband in an intelligent way, they are going to gain a competitive edge in today's manufacturing economy, which is essential if we want to stand up against competition from overseas.

"This scheme is a great idea because it is undeniably what manufacturing companies need to do - embrace information technology and integrate it into their business. The way we are going about it means it is done with the least possible risk and the highest opportunity for success."

H P E Technology Ltd is one of the businesses which has benefited from the scheme so far.

Dave Roberts said of H P E Technology's involvement: "Broadening Manufacturing Horizons has opened our eyes to a range of advantages offered by broadband. Although we already had broadband at our Colne base, we were unaware of its capability and accessibility. Mastering an effective use of broadband will open doors to business links throughout the UK and Europe and give us an edge on competition. The whole world could soon be ours for the taking."

Anna Lorimer, of the LDDA, said: "Our role is to offer free and impartial advice about the benefits of broadband to the businesses of Lancashire with the help of local partners. We have organised a range of events across the region to offer help to anyone interested in gaining a tighter grip on broadband technology.

"The LDDA is committed to ensuring that the businesses of Lancashire draw maximum benefit from new opportunities created by the digital revolution, with a strong emphasis on the use of broadband. We are working closely with local partners to make this happen, seeking projects to address the area's ICT priorities and securing the necessary resources."

This LDDA project is funded by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), and is supported by Business Link Lancashire and the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce.

Kevin Morley, NWDA Head of ICT Policy, said: "The NWDA's investment to increase the take-up and use of broadband across Lancashire, through the Lancashire Digital Development Agency, is already having an impact. The programme is enabling businesses to understand and exploit the huge benefits offered by fast and cost-effective broadband connections, as well as providing them with relevant advice and support."

Manufacturing companies that would like to take part in Broadening Manufacturing Horizons should contact Paul Bateson on 01282 872310 or at paulbateson@northerntech.co.uk for more information.

The Broadening Manufacturing Horizons business support scheme is led by the Northern Technologies - Advanced Manufacturing Centre, on behalf of the LDDA.

NOTES TO EDITORS:
The Lancashire Digital Development Agency (LDDA) will:
1. Enhance broadband availability across Lancashire.
2. Market and promote the business benefits of broadband to Lancashire companies.
3. Manage grants for smaller local innovative broadband projects.

Business Link Lancashire is part of a national network of publicly funded organisations providing advice and support for businesses and plays a vital role in helping thousands of people to make their venture prosper.

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce has 1000 members who benefit from a bespoke range of products and services, and also provides business support services into the wider business community, with specific emphasis on gaining new markets, increasing sales and reducing costs.

The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) is responsible for the sustainable economic development and regeneration of England's Northwest and has five key priorities: Business Development, Regeneration, Skills & Employment, Infrastructure and Image.

For more information, please contact Vicky Brindle on 0845 6009006.

Issued by: Slater Public Relations
T: 01254 295580 F: 01254 295581 E: info@slaterpr.co.uk

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