The University of Huddersfield’s Supply Chain team, based at the 3M Buckley Innovation Centre, has supported hundreds of manufacturing SMEs across the region since its conception in 2019.
The team runs the Leeds City Region Supply Chain Programme, which aims to support growth and expansion of manufacturing SMEs and SMEs operating in wider supply chains within the manufacturing sector based in the Leeds City Region area.
Over the last 18 months, the team has worked with over 300 SMEs to better understand and improve their supply chain performance.
The team has connected with a number of major regional businesses including Metal Box, Siemens, Yorkshire Water, Orsted, BAE and other larger businesses and has linked up SMEs successfully with other support from the University of Huddersfield.
Building on this success, the team recently launched its new Manufacturing Champions programme, aimed at manufacturing businesses with high growth potential. Developed with the support of the Leeds City Region LEP and unique to this area, the programme provides consultancy and capex grant support for the businesses, plus a valuable 60 hours of mentoring support from experienced manufacturing professionals based at the University.
The first 100 businesses have now been identified and work will be underway from October. The programme is exclusive, and businesses need to show that they have the capability, capacity, and leadership desire to grow.
The Supply Chain team is also moving to larger offices within the 3M BIC to accommodate its growing team under its new name, the Business Growth and Productivity Service, or ‘Business GPS’. The team now includes 8 field staff, all experienced manufacturing professionals recruited from a range of sectors.
Stephen Gregory, Head of Regional Engagement, said: “The LCR Supply Chain Programme was set up to support the growth of manufacturing SMEs and supply chains across the Leeds City Region. Manufacturing businesses benefit from our experienced field team and access to academic knowledge at the University of Huddersfield.
“The last few months have been challenging for many businesses across the manufacturing sector, but we have been working hard to reinforce supply chains, as well as support those that have changed production to create PPE products.”
Click here for more information about the Leeds City Region Supply Chain Programme.
