New High Value Manufacturing Catapult chair appointed

The High Value Manufacturing Catapult has announced the appointment of its new chair, Steve Bagshaw.

Mr Bagshaw is an expert in biotechnology and chemical manufacturing with more than 35 years in industry. Most recently, he was a director at CPI, one of seven HVM Catapult industrial innovation centres catalysing the adoption of advanced technologies and manufacturing solutions to benefit people, places and our planet.

An industry advisor to the UK government’s Vaccine Task Force during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr Bagshaw was awarded a CBE for services to the manufacturing and biotechnology sector in 2020. He is a member of UKRI’s Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, and he chairs the BioYorkshire Industrial Advisory Group.

The appointment coincides with HVM Catapult starting a new five-year funding cycle after signing the Grant Funding Agreement with Innovate UK. The five-year agreement is effective from 1^st October 2023.

The new appointee said: “As I see it, one of the key jobs of the HVM Catapult is making sure innovative manufacturing businesses get the help they need to succeed. Not just on the technical side, but also with supply chain, funding guidance, and policy expertise – everything that a Catapult can offer.

“From my time at CPI, one of the seven HVM Catapult centres across the country, I know that SMEs are absolutely crucial to the UK economy. Supporting SMEs is essential, particularly when they are taking an idea and developing it at speed.

“Helping SME manufacturers to become more productive and efficient – environmentally and economically – must be a focus for the industry. For example, if we can help SMEs reduce their energy usage with innovative manufacturing solutions without sacrificing productivity, they can cut their energy costs and environmental impact at the same time.

Katherine Bennett, chief executive of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, said: “I am very pleased to welcome Steve to his new role as chair of HVM Catapult, succeeding Allan Cook who has done a tremendous job for the past five years. Steve is a true pioneer in UK biotechnology, and his contributions – including as a director at CPI - have been invaluable.

“I know he will continue to make his mark on manufacturing innovation and inspire the next generation of industrialists across all regions of the UK.”

High Value Manufacturing Catapult
www.hvm.catapult.org.uk