New group launches to boost UK productivity

The In-Comm Training & Manufacturing Group (ITMG) has been created to give SME manufacturers access to technology and business and learning support that can bridge the skills gap, increase R&D, help it drive continuous improvement and embrace Industry 4.0.

Over 140 members have already signed up to receive discounted access to 100 upskilling training courses, networking events and access to grant and funding opportunities.

Professional partners, including FBC Manby Bowdler and Moore Stephens, have also been appointed to help firms overcome barriers to growth and sustainability through legal/HR advice and support with tapping into finance and managing expansion.

“Industry is extremely competitive at the moment and it could get harder, with complications from tariffs and unknown effects from Brexit negotiations,” commented Chris Sadler, general manager of Castalloy Europe and executive board member of the In-Comm Training & Manufacturing Group.

“The whole reason we started ITMG is to bring together companies that can share best practice and give them specialist expertise, the latest information and access to technical academies and technology that improves their manufacturing performance and supports the development of new products.”

He continued: “Where we offer something different to other organisations is that we call upon 10 technical partners in Blum-Novotest, Ceratizit WNT, Engineering Technology Group, FBC Manby Bowdler, Guhring, Hexagon, HK3D, Hyfore Workholding, In-Comm Training and Moore Stephens.

“These are some of the leading players in metrology, wire EDM, CNC machinery and cutting tools and they are opening up all of their expertise and knowledge to our member companies.”

ITMG, which is a not for profit organisation, has varying levels of membership ensuring that the group is open to all, from small businesses just starting out, through to multi-national companies with multiple facilities across the world.

Members also cover a wide range of engineering and manufacturing sectors from automotive and aerospace to oil and gas and nuclear, with the most recent additions, including A&M EDM, Alca Fasteners, Rudd Macnamara, Mechatherm International, SMB Pressings and Yeoman Pressings.

“One of the other benefits the ITMG is going to deliver is a series of sector-specific seminars, starting with an Open House at the £4 million Marches Centre of Manufacturing & Technology in Bridgnorth,” continued Mr Sadler.

“This will take place on June 28th and will focus on advanced technologies currently supporting the aerospace sector and how the UK supply chain can make better use of automation, Industry 4.0 and a highly skilled workforce to achieve higher levels of productivity.

“The format will be keynote presentations from industry experts and live technology demonstrations from the technical partners, with the option to sign-up for specalist skills courses.”

He concluded: “SME engagement is key to the development of our local, regional and national economies and these events will educate owner-managed business on the growth opportunities currently out there and get them thinking strategically about the future.”

In-Comm Training Manufacturing Group www.in-comm-tmg.co.uk