The Supply Chain Digital Transformation: Driving Transport Technology event? Craig Humphrey, Managing Director of CWLEP Growth Hub gives his reasons why this event is not to be missed.
Craig Humphrey, Managing Director of the CWLEP Growth Hub
“It’s a challenging time for SMEs right now with the perfect storm of rising energy costs, increasing interest rates and the cost-of-living crisis as well as recruitment issues.
“That’s why events such as The Supply Chain Digital Transformation: Driving Transport Technology event at Aston Villa Football Club on Wednesday are really important for our region.
“The main focus of this event will be to give SMEs in the West Midlands and the local supply chain an opportunity to discover how their manufacturing processes can benefit from cutting-edge digital technology, many of such advances have been in the transport sectors, including both automotive and rail. But this event is not just for manufacturers.
“We have inspirational, industry leading specialists lined up to speak including the globally recognised technology pioneer and AI scientist, Inma Martinez, as our headline speaker and numerous other impressive experts, who are passionate about passing on their knowledge and helping SME business owners to learn how to help increase productivity and compete more effectively through improving their digital systems and processes.
“We want to motivate SMEs and help them understand, through the experiences of these industry experts, how much their business could benefit from adopting digital technology.
“As well as having an opportunity to network, we’re holding a Meet the Buyer session to give the local supply chain and SMEs an opportunity to build long-term relationships with suppliers ranging from rail equipment to traffic management products and steel manufacturing to engineering.
“We have award-winning transport infrastructure specialist Colas Ltd coming along and with their expertise in the highway, aviation and defence infrastructure sectors, they are looking to engage with local suppliers in a variety of areas.
“Midland Metro Alliance will also be joining the Meet the Buyer sessions because they want to chat to businesses who can supply products and services to the biggest tram extension programme in the UK.
“They have a target of using 80 per cent of local suppliers so this is a perfect opportunity to potentially win new contracts since MMA is looking to build long-term relationships with innovative suppliers for the active projects connected to the Metro Tram Extension project.
“The event will also give owners and senior management teams at businesses throughout the West Midlands an opportunity to hear more about the support and financial help that is available to adopt technology.
“It can be difficult when running a business and dealing with so many economic issues to think long-term or whether to introduce digital technology but it’s more important than ever not to put these subjects on the back-burner.
“That’s where the West Midlands Made Smarter team can make a real difference – and their support is free.
“Since we launched West Midlands Made Smarter as a pilot project in 2021, one of the most common responses from SMEs is that they have no regrets about joining the programme since it has transformed the digitisation of their business.
“Our Made Smarter Digital Transformation Specialists will be available on the day to discuss how businesses can register on the programme, and gain access to potential grant funding, workshops, and leadership training. All of these are vital to help owners and senior managers know they are not on their own in juggling so many different parts of their business as well as looking towards growth because, as we all know, no business can afford to stand still.
“This event is a great opportunity for manufacturing and engineering businesses throughout the area to find out more about increasing their competitiveness, upscaling production and improving productivity through digital technology.
“For more information and to book a free place at the event or a one-to-one appointment, please visit: https://www.finditincw.co.uk/events/supply-chain-digital-transformation-driving-transport-technology-01 because it could make a real difference to your order book in 2023 and beyond.”
