The Business Gateway is once again demonstrating its support for Leicestershire’s key sectors by creating a programme for innovative Advanced Manufacturing companies. Called APPEX, the course will help participating companies achieve Advanced Manufacturing Product and Process Excellence to help boost turnover.
The programme is worth at least £5,000 but will be free of charge to the ten businesses that qualify to take part. APPEX helps businesses get a detailed understanding of their business capabilities, leadership team priorities and how to select, plan and execute a focussed improvement project with external support. It also gives them the chance to see and learn best practices from other non-competing Advanced Manufacturers on the programme.
APPEX is available to manufacturers in several growing and innovative sectors including aerospace, pharmaceuticals, medical, transportation, construction equipment, low carbon, and power generation among others. To qualify to take part, companies need to have been trading for more than three years, have more than 10 employees, have an annual turnover of more than £1.7m, be privately owned and have a serious ambition to grow. They should also be manufacturing a product that is new to market or using innovative manufacturing processes.
Dr Chris Owen, MD of Owen & Partners Ltd, who will be delivering the programme, said: “We’ve put together a really practical programme of support for Leicestershire’s Advanced Manufacturers. Companies will learn how to select and drive focussed improvement projects to boost their competitive positioning and productivity and win more orders. As part of the very first cohort of its kind, participating leaders will also become pioneers in building a community of innovative advanced manufacturing leaders to further boost the sector in Leicestershire.”
Rachel York, Business Gateway Manager, added: “We’re delighted to be able to offer such high-quality support to Leicestershire’s Advanced Manufacturing sector, particularly the companies who are embracing innovation because that’s an essential element for growth. Hopefully, the companies that participate will spread the word across the sector and we will see more companies taking up our offer.”
Any company that meets the criteria should contact a Business Adviser on 0116 366 8487 to discuss applying for the programme.
