Lichfield manufacturers will be given an in-depth opportunity to find out how they can benefit from a new £125million fund.
Up to 500 companies are expected to attend the special briefing event at the ICC in Birmingham on April 27, which will detail how firms and related organisations can take advantage of the Government’s Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain Initiative (AMSCI).
Delegates will hear how the national programme aims to support existing supply chains to grow and become world class, whilst also encouraging new suppliers to establish operations in England.
AMSCI will provide grants and loans to successful projects creating globally competitive supply chains in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, chemicals, low carbon and renewables.
Funding will support a combination of investment in capital equipment, associated R&D activity and training and skills development needed to secure, develop and deliver major opportunities.
Paul Heaven, Board Member at Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP (GBSLEP), will open the event. He said: “This briefing will give Lichfield manufacturers a detailed insight into the Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain Initiative.
“They will get to hear about the scope of the competition, the criteria for awarding projects and the levels and type of funding available.”
He continued: “We want to make it as interactive as possible so companies and partners will be encouraged to ask questions and then attend one-to-one meetings with specialists involved in the fund.”
The £125m Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain Initiative is being funded by the Regional Growth Fund (RGF) and the Department for Business Innovation and Skills.
The Government initiative is based on an existing RGF bid by a group of Local Enterprise Partnerships (featuring Black Country, Coventry and Warwickshire, Greater Birmingham and Solihull and Liverpool City Region), which focused on supporting automotive and aerospace supply chains in those geographic areas.
It has now been expanded to the whole of England and across all advanced manufacturing sectors. Birmingham City Council will administer the fund, with registration and processing of applications undertaken by the Technology Strategy Board.
Mark Barrow, Strategic Director of Development at Birmingham City Council, added: “Advanced manufacturing in England is proving one of the key drivers in our economic recovery and we want to give our supply chain the support it needs to become world class and take advantage of domestic and international opportunities.
“The funding will be used to boost projects that create capacity in the supply chain so more components can be sourced in this country. We are also keen to create a climate that will encourage international manufacturers to set up here.”
The Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain Initiative is now open for applications. To book your place at the Briefing Event, visit the website. For more information on AMSCI and to apply for funding, click here.
