Grants to boost firms' competitiveness
Food and drink manufacturers in Nottingham can boost productivity and increase new product development (NPD) by taking advantage of capital grants and specialist training from the East Midlands New Technology Initiative (NTI).
Through the NTI's network of universities and colleges, small and medium-sized businesses can now apply for match-funded grants of up to £10,000 to spend on new technology, as well as have access to some of the industry's latest equipment.
East Midlands NTI project manager Mike Dixon believes the grant and training combination will result in increased productivity and help with NPD for manufacturers facing increasing competition from within the UK and from abroad.
He said: “Product innovation will play an increased role in sustaining market share. Consumer attitudes and trends towards wellbeing are driving the revolution in new product development - we need to give small and medium-sized businesses the opportunity to capitalise on these opportunities.”
Equipment available to businesses through universities includes: a computer 3D packaging design system; can and pouch sealers; an ion chromatography unit; and metrology equipment.
Specialist short courses in packaging design and technology, nutrition, supply chain issues, lean manufacturing and business improvement techniques will also be available from the autumn.
Meanwhile, new research from business advisory firm Deloitte warned that manufacturers must innovate to benefit from emerging markets. It said that globally, more than half of manufacturers (56%) expected to grow revenues substantially in emerging markets over the next three years.
Key to achieving success in these markets appeared to be research and development conducted locally; understanding the local market; and faster time to market, said the firm.
In the UK 64% of manufacturers said they expected to increase sales revenues in emerging markets over the next three years.
Deloitte's UK manufacturing leader Jane Lodge said: “UK manufacturers know the price of failing to recognise challenges from the Far East and Asia, and now the most profitable manufacturers are using emerging markets as the catalysts for new product and service innovation.”
Gary Coleman, global md for manufacturing at the company, added: “The most profitable companies are looking beyond traditional strategies to generate a continual stream of innovative products tailored to the needs of consumers and industrial buyers in emerging markets.”
The East Midlands NTI food and drink network is funded by the East Midlands Development Agency, Higher Education Funding Council for England and the Learning and Skills Council.
For more information go to http://www.eastmidlandsnti.co.uk or telephone 01636 817043.
