The Rt Hon Patrick McLoughlin, Secretary of State for Transport, delivered a keynote speech at Derby’s Roundhouse to mark the launch of Enscite, the new organisation created to improve the performance of SMEs within the transport engineering supply chain.
In his speech, Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said that he was ‘very pleased to back Enscite’ and that ‘the region boasts some of the best engineering skills in the world’, adding that Enscite will enable companies within the transport sector to take these skills and opportunities even further.
The launch event was attended by 190 representatives from public and private sector organisations operating in the automotive, aerospace and rail engineering supply chain, Enscite’s partners Derby City Council, The University of Derby, Aston University, and Cranfield University, together with SMEs already working with the organisation.
Speaking at the event, Colin McKinnon, MD of Enscite, said: “Enscite is the new organisation created to support SMEs in the aerospace, automotive and rail sectors’ supply chain. It works to help manufacturing businesses to grow and thrive. Utilising the expertise of our world-class partners, we deliver practical business improvement programmes, run supply chain workshops and leverage funding to support investments in new technology, including access to a £1m Technology Fund.
“Now is the right time for an organisation dedicated to the engineering supply chain. The sector is set for sustained growth and an increasing number of UK companies are looking to re-shore production in the UK, creating jobs whilst cutting production costs.”
Ahead of the event, The Rt Hon Patrick McLoughlin said: “We are investing record amounts in our transport infrastructure, which is a vital engine for growth for this country. Multi-billion pound projects like Thameslink and Crossrail and our huge investment plans for our road and rail networks are providing countless opportunities for small and medium businesses to grow. That is why it is vital an organisation like Enscite exists to support these businesses and help drive forward our economy.”
Other speakers at the launch were Deputy MD of Toyota Manufacturing UK, Tony Walker, Brand Director of Bowler Motorsport Jon Chester, and Professor Raj Roy, Head of the Department of Manufacturing and Materials at Cranfield University. They provided insight and perspectives on the challenges for supply chain companies, including the importance of effective supplier management, how innovation can help boost growth, and how improving manufacturing productivity is an essential element for maintaining supply chain competitiveness.
