UCLan and IN4.0 Group bring back digital manufacturing accelerator

A hugely successful programme of events aimed at supporting and developing manufacturing and engineering businesses is set to return.

IN4.0 Access, a joint venture enterprise between IN4.0 Group and the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), is running its highly effective disruptive innovation accelerator.

Digital technology services and training provider IN4.0 Group developed and ran the first IN4.0 Access with partners UCLan in 2019. 

It is a ground-breaking programme, specifically tailored to the needs of manufacturing and engineering businesses looking to adopt new technologies through the upskilling of leadership teams. Access has adapted into an interactive four-part virtual masterclass and workshop series held over two months.

IN4.0, operators of HOST, the Home of Skills & Technology, formerly known as The Landing at MediaCityUK, is launching the course in June, giving business leaders and senior engineers exclusive access to learning and coaching from the industry’s best change experts. 

This will include Brian Holliday, managing director for Siemens Digital Industries; Alison Ramsay, workplace climate director at BAE Systems; and Professor Ian Sherrington, director of Jost Institute for Tribotechnology and research lead at the School of Engineering at UCLan.

UCLan has secured more than £21 million worth of funding for its Engineering Innovation Centre (EIC) in Preston, which supports the growth of aerospace, advanced engineering and manufacturing industries in the region.

IN4.0 is also an approved training provider to SC21 (Supply Chains for the 21st Century), the government’s investment into future-proofing the UK’s aerospace and automotive supply chains.

According to McKinsey, 56 per cent of businesses that had not implemented industry 4.0 technologies before the pandemic, found themselves restricted in their ability to respond to Covid-19 because of the absence of digital technologies to support them.

This stark wake-up call means that many businesses are under pressure to play catch up and close the gaps in their skills, talent and technology.

Mo Isap, CEO of IN4.0 Group, said: “I am delighted we can run IN4.0 Access with our partners the University of Central Lancashire to further support businesses across the region. Our programme in 2019 was a huge success, with many of that cohort able to see tangible business success from the learnings and networks we mobilised. The development in technology adoption undoubtedly placed them in a stronger position throughout this pandemic.  

“While we are working in unprecedented times, it is imperative that we continue learning, knowledge sharing and engaging with each other. Many businesses have been impacted by the pandemic, none more so than some of our aerospace and supply chain manufacturers, so the need for digital and cloud technology adoption has never been greater.

“Ultimately, the adoption of industry 4.0 technologies is empowering businesses to be resilient and flexible during the pandemic and to recover stronger. Not only is this reshaping industry and the UK economy, but future-proofing businesses as well.”

StJohn Crean, pro vice-chancellor research and enterprise at UCLan, said: “We are pleased to continue to support IN4.0 Access with the acceleration of innovation, productivity and training in the manufacturing and engineering industry. This is an excellent opportunity for ambitious businesses to push the boundaries of industrial digital technologies, so they are empowered with the skills and knowledge required to scale and grow.”

Tom Russell, senior skills development officer at Bentley Motors, said: “We are really excited to be part of IN4.0 Access. Through collaborating with other companies across the North West, we look forward to our colleagues developing their skills and exploring new ideas and concepts.”

The programme will cover topics including the importance of cybersecurity in supply chain transformation, the practical application of IoT (internet of things) devices and cloud operations, and the cost-saving opportunities that additive manufacturing can unlock.

IN4.0 was recently recognised as an AWS Select Consulting Partner and will introduce trainees to the power of cloud technology as part of the course.

For further information about IN4.0 Access and to register your interest, please contact: [email protected]