News reports located on this page = 2.

North West Manufacturers Urged to Grow Through Digital Transformation

INDUSTRY 4.0 programme Made Smarter will provide SMEs with the tools to create a digital roadmap for their business in a free event, on 11 September 2019, at the:- Mercure Blackburn Dunkenhalgh Hotel. Liverpool SME manufacturers looking to understand more about how digital tools can boost their business are being urged to attend a free event in Blackburn.

Run by Made Smarter, it will provide practical advice and tools to help manufacturers take the 1st steps on transforming their business by helping them to develop a digital roadmap. They will hear real life examples of how other businesses have applied new technology, the challenges they overcame and the benefits they are now seeing.

Business leaders can join roundtable sessions, facilitated by industry experts, which focus on specific barriers to adopting new digital technology and overcoming them. The round tables will explore skills, leadership, finance and culture.

Dozens of business leaders have already signed up for the event, Powering your Manufacturing through Digital Transformation, on the morning of 11 September 2019.

Leading the event will be Made Smarter Programme Manager Alain Dilworth. He said:- "Digital tools can increase profit, reduce inefficiencies, open new markets and provide greater insight for business leaders, but it can be confusing to know what will help your business the most. We hear a lot about industry 4.0 technology but our experience of working with North West SMEs tells us that people struggle to know where to start. This event aims to help North West SME manufacturers understand more about digital transformation, provide practical tools to help them take the 1st steps of their digital journey.  Lancashire was at the very heart of the 1st industrial revolution and remains home to hundreds of high quality engineering, automotive, aerospace, food production and other manufacturing businesses. I would urge businesses at the start of their journey to come along and speak to the Made Smarter team."

Made Smarter supports manufacturers to digitise and innovate through grant funding, fully funded specialist technology advice and leadership and skills development.

The Made Smarter team will be on hand to facilitate 1 to 1 conversations with business leaders about their business needs and the options available. This includes finding out more about how to qualify for free advice and funding support to help with the adoption of new, smarter production methods such as robotics and automation, additive manufacturing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IOT), 3D printing, the use of 'big' data and the latest design software.

Places for the Powering your Manufacturing through Digital Transformation session are free but limited and registration is essential. More information and details of how to book can be visit:- bit.ly/2KZds4E. Any company interested in the Made Smarter business support programme can find out more online.

Photography graduate secures position at 1 of the UK's leading photography exhibition spaces

HUGH Baird University Centre graduate Andrew Yates has secured a position at 1 of the UK's leading photographic exhibition spaces, Liverpool's Open Eye Gallery.  Andrew, who studied the Photography and Digital Imaging Degree at the Hugh Baird University Centre, gained the role of Creative Producer at the Open Eye Gallery shortly after he graduated. As a Creative Producer, Andrew plays a key role in development and production of exciting and engaging artistic programmes as well as delivering and developing the gallery's Schools and Young People Engagement Programme.

Reflecting back on his time at the Hugh Baird University Centre, Andrew said:- "The tutors are one of the courses' biggest asset. They really push the students to achieve to the best of their abilities. They all have a passion and a vast knowledge of the subject that includes current industry experience. This is something that is heavily incorporated into the course and ensures that the topics and techniques you're studying are absolutely current and relevant to the industry. During my time at the University Centre, we were also visited by several guest speakers and industry professionals. These ranged from local photographers to world renowned names such as Jason Evans and Max Pinckers. It was amazing and really valuable to hear about their experiences and get an insight into what it's like to be commissioned photographer".

When asked how the course helped Andrew with his progression into industry he said:- "The course encourages real world experience. We undertook live briefs working with different clients. This was nerve racking at 1st but was a very important part of our development. We learnt about dealing with clients, interpreting their brief and of course delivering to tight deadlines."

A major part of the courses offered at the Hugh Baird University Centre is the personal and professional development of undergraduates. Most courses incorporate trips into their schemes of work and Andrew's Photography and Digital Imaging Degree was no different. Andrew said:- "I visited a lot of places during my time at the University Centre. We went to Paris, Budapest, Rome, Edinburgh and London. The trips were all related to our coursework but were also a great way to get to know your fellow students. They also enabled us to enjoy new cultural experiences."

When asked about what advice he would give to someone thinking of applying to the University Centre, Andrew said:- "I would say go for it; you won't regret it. Education and your continual self and professional development is hugely important. It really is true that what you put in; you get out. The biggest thing the course did for me was that it presented me with new opportunities and I was able to make connections with like minded people already working in the creative industries".

David Lockwood, course leader of the Digital Imaging and Photography course at the Hugh Baird University Centre, said:- "Andrew is a great example of how our students go onto succeed in employment once they leave the University Centre. We strive to ensure all our graduates leave the University Centre equipped with the skills and knowledge for the world of work."

If you would like to find out more or for information about the Digital Imaging and Photography courses at the Hugh Baird University Centre, please visit:- HughBaird.AC.UK or telephone:- 0151 353 4444.  The BA (Hons) Top up in Digital Imaging and Photography is approved by the University of Central Lancashire.