‘‘Untapped potential’’ were the words that Business South CEO Mike Collins kept hearing when he spoke to local engineering firms.
Because while there is obviously a lot going on in the sector, there’s a feeling that it can be taken to a different level if the right levers are pulled.
‘‘There’s a lot of potential,’’ Mike reiterates. ‘‘Business South has been working with local business leaders, including manufacturing and engineering, who are keen to put the city and wider region on the map. We’ve come up with a draft plan of initiatives that might move the dial.’’
The southern region has a powerful heritage in the engineering and manufacturing sector. With that foundation still being built upon, coupled with a nascent tech innovation industry, there’s much to be positive about heading into the future.
Aiding potential growth in the sector is the ease of networking and collaboration that businesses find here.
‘‘The unique thing about the region is we are a bit of a village; everybody knows everybody,’’ Mike says. ‘‘I was talking to someone in our Young Professionals Group, who said ‘it’s so easy to get support’. The engineering and manufacturing community are just one big family of services really. A lot of innovation comes out of the place and it could be scaled up a lot more.’’
Business South has recently been having conversations with central government around what funding initiatives might look like. Some funding had already been proposed for advanced manufacturing in the region, but this has since been frozen.
Business Leaders from the region are working with Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing Andrew Bayly on what support there may be for the sector. The government has been clear about the tight fiscal envelope that they’re currently operating in, so some strategic thought about what’s actually required is necessary.
“As a business community we can continue to collaborate and to create growth in the sector and from these conversations we can then work with the government to advocate for priority investment.”
Clear career pathways for youth to enter the engineering and manufacturing sector is an obvious area to be focused upon. The SOREC Academy is a crucial part of the future of the industry in this region, Mike believes.
“Students are engaging in the programme and there are some great success stories from those who have completed the academy. The academy compliments our workforce development offerings at Business South which includeFor Trades apprenticeship programme, Young Enterprise Scheme and My Next Move.’’
This publication is an aspect of addressing another opportunity the sector has. From talking to local businesses, Mike says it’s clear there are a number of success stories that would elevate the profile of the industry and share good practice.
‘‘We’ve got a lot of great businesses here,’’ Mike says. ‘‘So it’s about bringing everybody together and putting ourselves on the map with some really good communication and storytelling."
SOREC founder and Farra Engineering CEO Gareth Evans is also adament that public engagement can only be beneficial in the continued growth of the engineering in the region. He’s positive about it’s bright future here.
‘‘There are a lot of companies doing really good work, and I’m confident about the sector,’’ Gareth says.
