A new £20 million initiative targeting the North West’s manufacturing sector has appointed a leading figure as chair of its steering board. This scheme aims to revolutionise industrial digital technologies in the region.
Andrea Thompson’s Appointment
The steering board for the £20 million digital manufacturing initiative will be chaired by Andrea Thompson, a key figure at BAE Systems. Thompson is currently BAE’s managing director for Europe & international programmes, contributing to major projects such as the F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft.
Experience and Background
Andrea Thompson brings extensive experience from global industries, particularly in engineering, automotive, and aerospace. She has worked internationally, including in the United States, and for major companies like Leyland Trucks and Rolls Royce.
Vision for the North West
Thompson expressed pride in her new role, emphasising the North West’s rich industrial heritage from the first industrial revolution. She believes the Made Smarter programme can initiate a new era of technology-led manufacturing.
Andrea Thompson stated, “With Made Smarter we now have a real opportunity to kick-start a new era of technology-led manufacturing, driven by innovative and ambitious SMEs, throughout the whole of the North West.”
Thompson aims to shape this exciting project to potentially transform the region’s industrial economy.
Steering Board Objectives
The steering board will focus on promoting the Made Smarter initiative at local, regional, and national levels. It will strengthen relationships with partners across the advanced manufacturing agenda in the North West.
Additionally, the board is tasked with ensuring good governance throughout the duration of the Made Smarter North West pilot project.
Support and Enthusiasm
Made Smarter’s director, Donna Edwards, highlighted Thompson’s extensive experience and local roots as invaluable to the programme’s success. Edwards anticipates that the steering board will significantly contribute to the initiative’s goals.
Juergen Maier, the CEO of Siemens and co-chair of the national Made Smarter Commission, expressed his delight at Thompson’s appointment, recognising her as a fantastic addition to the Made Smarter network of business leaders.
Broader Involvement
Emma Degg, Chief Executive of the North West Business Leadership Team, also joins the steering board. She supports the North West as the ideal region to pilot this significant project.
Degg emphasised the talent, ambition, and drive of local businesses to lead the fourth industrial revolution.
The North West Business Leadership Team is committed to ensuring the partnership delivers true and lasting change for SMEs across the region.
Launch and Government Backing
The Made Smarter programme was officially launched before Christmas in Liverpool, receiving backing from the government and major global businesses. This initiative aims to engage 3,000 SME manufacturers based in Cheshire, Warrington, Cumbria, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, and the Liverpool City Region.
Participating companies will access match-funded support and advice on how new technologies could revolutionise their manufacturing processes and enhance productivity.
Around 600 SMEs will receive intensive business support, including match-funded grants, bespoke consultancy, mentoring, and other resources to accelerate commercial growth.
Conclusion of the Initiative
The ultimate goal is to drive the North West’s economy forward through the adoption of new technologies across the manufacturing sector.
The appointment of Andrea Thompson as chair of the steering board marks a significant step for the £20 million digital manufacturing scheme. Her extensive experience and leadership are expected to drive the Made Smarter programme towards transforming the industrial landscape in the North West.
The initiative’s focus on innovation and support for SMEs is poised to usher in a new era of technology-led manufacturing, ensuring the region remains at the forefront of industrial advancement.