A free business support initiative at Coventry University is aiming to help SMEs in the region to improve the performance of their manufacturing, production control and office-based facilities.
The £460k European Regional Development Fund-backed project, which is being run by the University using the expertise of staff in its Faculty of Engineering and Computing, will offer up to 20 days of free support to West Midland firms.
The ‘Performance Improvement Initiative’ aims to enhance companies’ productivity by matching them up with subject specialist members of staff who will help with anything from workshops to in-depth optimisation support for areas such as lean manufacturing, manufacturing strategy and process, quality, finance and simulation.
Ivan Arokiam, project director for the Performance Improvement Initiative at Coventry University, said:
“At a time when the manufacturing industry in the West Midlands is showing promising signs of regaining its pre-recession strength, it’s great to be able to offer this kind of support to the local firms who will be driving that growth.
“We would encourage SMEs in the region to get in touch with us as soon as possible if they feel the package of support could benefit their business.”
Norman Price, deputy chair of the West Midlands ERDF Local Management Committee, said:
“It is vital that support is given to businesses that will strengthen the West Midlands manufacturing base.
“This initiative will help SMEs identify improvements to their business processes and on-going business strategy to maximise opportunities for their future growth.”