Smart Hub Lanarkshire announces summer events
14 July 2021
Smart Hub Lanarkshire – a new centre that will help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing sector to grow and prepare for the future – has announced a programme of free summer online events to help SMEs learn about the benefits of robotic technologies.
The Hub, which is a partnership between North Lanarkshire Council, New College Lanarkshire (NCL) and the University of Strathclyde, is home to a robotics and automation training facility and a dedicated space for SMEs to meet, learn and access business support and academic expertise.
The Hub ‘virtually’ opened in April and aims to physically open its doors at NCL’s Motherwell Campus later this year, subject to Covid restrictions. It is one of 12 projects to be awarded a share of £15.8m of funding from the Scottish Government through the Advancing Manufacturing Challenge Fund. The overall aim of the fund is to advance the manufacturing capabilities of Scottish SMEs and lead to long-term transformational change.
The summer programme of events kicks off on 28 July with an online event that explores the use of collaborative robots in the food and drink sector.
Aimed at food and drink SMEs who are considering introducing automation, the event will be delivered by industry professionals in the field of robotics, who will answer questions and help attendees make informed investment decisions. Delegates will also get an insight into business support services available to them.
On 25 August, businesses in the Life Sciences sector can benefit from a similar event which will introduce them to the benefits of cobot technology. On 24 September it’s the turn of engineering and fabrication businesses.
Professor Christopher Moore, Principal at New College Lanarkshire, said: “If you are considering introducing automated processes to your factory, and would welcome impartial industry insight and expertise to guide you, then these events will be invaluable. As well as answers to technical questions, the panel will also be able to help you with queries about funding and finances.”
Councillor Allan Graham, Convener of the Enterprise and Growth Committee at North Lanarkshire Council, said: “The events offer an excellent opportunity for local manufacturing SMEs to learn about the benefits of new robotics technologies. As we start to recover from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, Smart Hub Lanarkshire will provide support for manufacturing businesses to help them use these innovative technologies to develop and grow for the future.”
To register to attend any of these events, please visit:
Event for Food & Drink SMEs: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/159823104207
Event for Life Sciences SMEs: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/159833671815
Event for Engineering and Fabrication SMEs: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/159886622191
For further information on Smart Hub Lanarkshire, visit https://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/business/smart-hub-lanarkshire