North Nottinghamshire is the first local network to launch under the new peer-led East Midlands Manufacturing Network.
More than 30 manufacturers attended its inaugural meeting at the NTU University Centre, at Vision West Nottinghamshire College in Mansfield, on 12 April.
It follows a regional launch event in March that attracted about 100 manufacturing businesses, and signals the advent of other networks in the Derbyshire Dales and High Peak, Leicestershire and Derbyshire local authority areas.
The role of the new East Midlands Manufacturing Network is to secure the future success of manufacturing in the region by bringing together key knowledge and skills to form a dedicated, supportive peer network.
Manufacturers are being encouraged to join, in order to:
· Share best practices and experience in a trusted peer environment;
· Focus on issues and challenges that are a priority for them and other manufacturing businesses;
· Better understand the financial support on offer for their manufacturing business;
· Tap into specialist consultancy and advice on regulation and compliance;
· Identify collaboration opportunities; and
· Gain peer support and education.
The network is being led by East Midlands Chamber and delivered by Qinesis – The Business Growth Company. It builds on the success of the Nottinghamshire Manufacturing Network.
Mark Goldby DL, non-executive director and ambassador for Qinesis, said: “It was truly a privilege to help kick off the first meeting of the North Nottinghamshire Manufacturing Network. There was a great mix of businesses and great debate around the common challenges we need to address within the sector. It bodes well for the networks we’ve established in other areas of the East Midlands, which will have their own launch meetings in May.”
East Midlands Chamber Deputy Chief Executive Diane Beresford added: “My thanks go to all who were involved in the North Nottinghamshire event, and to all who contributed to the discussions with such passion.
“The East Midlands is, unquestionably, a region with a strong manufacturing heritage and with the potential to have an equally strong future. I would encourage any manufacturer looking for support to get involved, and to gain valuable insight into the new technologies, resources and information on offer.”
The next local launches will take place as follows: Derbyshire Dales and High Peak on 13 May; Leicestershire on 17 May; and Derbyshire on 24 May.
