Midlands-based small and medium companies have been offered funding, consultancy and access to world-class simulation technology at a major seminar held at the pioneering Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry.
The event was organised and hosted by the CASiM2 virtual simulation team at the MTC in partnership with Coventry University Enterprises and the Electric and Intelligent Vehicles Project. It was aimed at offering SMEs in the region direct access to funding opportunities of up to £30,000 and consultancy support. The 70 delegates were also given a briefing on the CASiM2 project which offers manufacturing SMEs the chance to test and trial new products and ideas using the latest virtual simulation technology.
CASiM2 is supported by a £2.6 million grant from the European Regional Development Fund, managed by the Department for Communities and Local Government. Match funding and staff skills are provided by the MTC, the University of Birmingham and Rolls Royce.
Exhibitors and presenters at the seminar included Electric and Intelligent Vehicles, CASiM2, Innovation Networks, the International Innovation Centre, Metrology for Industry West Midlands, ECO Business, Technology and Innovation Futures West Midlands, the Green Bridge supply chain programme, Touch Digital and the Manufacturing Advisory Service.
Delegates were able to meet funders on a one-to-one basis to discuss their needs. Attendees were also given a tour of the MTC’s cutting edge facilities including the state-of-the-art fully immersive virtual reality suite.
Floyd Stewart of Birmingham-based TAE Innovation said, “I’ve been to many events this year and I found the whole presentation very informative, professional and stimulating. 10 out of 10. I certainly found it useful.”
John Lunn of CPK Engineering, also based in Birmingham, said, “Not only did I thoroughly enjoy the event, but I found it incredibly useful. I made some excellent contacts and I’m positive that we can forge further beneficial relationships.”
The MTC recently launched a campaign to encourage SMEs to take advantage of the centre’s knowledge and expertise. MTC strategic development director, Neil Rawlinson, praised the event and said, “This event provides businesses with that elusive yet essential opportunity to find out more about the support that’s available in the region, and most importantly, get SMEs talking to the people who can simplify the routes to funding. At the MTC we are keen to communicate to SMEs that we are an open access centre and can provide a flexible approach to working with companies of all sizes.”
The Manufacturing Technology Centre, on Ansty Park, Coventry, opened in 2011 following a £40 million publicly-funded investment. It is a partnership between some of the UK’s major global manufacturers and three forward-thinking universities: Birmingham, Nottingham and Loughborough as well as TWI Ltd, the operating division of The Welding Institute.
The MTC aims to provide a competitive environment to bridge the gap between university-based research and the development of innovative manufacturing solutions in line with the Government’s manufacturing strategy. The MTC is one of a consortium of seven centres across the UK which form the High Value Manufacturing Catapult which is supported by the Technology Strategy Board to provide a stimulus for British manufacturing.