Automation Support
The ADMC can offer a range of support to aid companies with their automation needs whilst it is being is being built and its team is recruited. This support is supplied by a range of organisations working alongside the ADMC and who offer innovation support services.
This support is available free of charge or on a subsidised basis. There could also be some grant aid available to purchase automation-based solutions.
There are eligibility criteria for each of these programmes which should be reviewed carefully.
See below for more information on all 4 programmes.
​
Enterprising Ashfield is a comprehensive programme delivered by Nottingham Trent University in partnership with Ashfield District Council. It supports businesses, entrepreneurs, and local people in Kirkby-in-Ashfield and Sutton-in-Ashfield.​ Enterprising Ashfield offers support to business to allow them to start up, grow, recruit staff, develop their employees and undertake innovation. The R&D Collaboration programme element is the most likely to offer support for automation projects. The ADMC has already made several successful referrals to this programme. There are a range of areas for innovation that the EA team may be able to support with, including: ​ ·    Computer Science/Information Strategy/Security ·    Operations (e.g. Flow Management) ·    Automation ·    Design Centre ·    Wireless networks-based solutions ·    Intelligent Engineering Solutions ·    UX – website and App User Experience ·    Business Strategy Review/Development Support is available to businesses large and small. ​ Enterprising Ashfield runs specific business support events, including alongside the ADMC. These give you an opportunity to talk with industry experts and find out what further support is on offer. ​ The R&D programme is available to businesses within eligible postcodes in Ashfield. You should visit the checker page on their website to see if your postcode makes you eligible for the project.
Enterprising Ashfield R&D Collaboration
Ashfield Accelerator
The Accelerator programme provides support to businesses across the D2N2 LEP area. It has a programme tailored to the Ashfield District but is also available to businesses in Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire. It is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and delivered by the East Midlands Chamber of Commerce. The programme aims to help businesses start, sustain, grow, and innovate. The Innovation Accelerator can help selected high-growth and scale-up clients to innovate and grow. This programme element is the most likely to offer support for automation projects. The ADMC has already made several referrals to this programme. High-intensity support is offered to businesses to improve performance. Diagnostics will be assessed, and a Business Action Plan produced through the Balanced Scorecard strategic management system model. Local businesses will have an opportunity to access specialist support around several key economic drivers relevant to automation: · decarbonisation and reducing their energy costs, · adopting new technologies, · research and innovation. The Accelerator will run specific business support events, including alongside the ADMC. This project runs until 31 March 2025 and is targeted at businesses classed as Small and Medium sized enterprises. The offer to business in the D2N2 area varies and the one your region can be reviewed at www.d2n2growthhub.co.uk/accelerator/ or on your local council's website.
Made Smarter
This national programme is funded by UK Government. It works with the manufacturing community to deliver cutting-edge solutions to the industry's biggest digital operating challenges. The programme leaders understand that adopting new technology can be daunting, and they aim to support you throughout your journey to digitalisation. Whatever stage you are at currently, Made Smarter can help. Made Smarter is supporting manufacturers with the adoption of Industrial Digital Technologies such as: Additive Manufacturing Data And Systems Integration Robotics And Process Control Automation The Industrial Internet of Things (Sensors) Artificial Intelligence and Cognitive Learning Virtual, Augmented and Mixed Realities Industrial Cybersecurity Mobile Devices and Wearable Tech There is a range of support available including: Impartial business growth advice Specialist technology advice Guidance for skills and culture development Digital transformation and road-mapping workshops Funding opportunities Leadership development Made Smarter are running specific events throughout the East Midlands, including alongside the ADMC. Made Smarter Adoption is open to small and medium-sized manufacturing and engineering businesses that have manufacturing premises in the East Midlands. Registration for the scheme must be made through the Made Smarter website: www.madesmarter.uk
Innovate UK Business Growth
Innovate UK Business Growth (previously Innovate UK EDGE) is a key part of the UK innovation agency’s investment in the pioneering businesses that drive economic growth. Innovate UK Business Growth is a publicly funded service and is aimed at empowering innovative businesses to grow and achieve their industry- and society-transforming ambitions. In the East Midlands, it is delivered by the East Midlands Chamber who will guide businesses as to the most appropriate way to access Innovate UK support. Innovation and growth specialists are at the centre of this service. Each client engagement results in a bespoke strategy, but common priorities include: · Exploiting business innovation: Developing a commercial strategy and building a team to deliver it; protecting & harnessing your IP; improving innovation management & accessing the innovation ecosystem globally. · Sourcing funding and finance: Applying the right strategy to secure grants and capital for your business, enhancing investor appeal and getting investment ready to propel your growth. · Opening new markets: Creating connections to partners & leveraging insights to expand into vertical & international markets and achieve scale. Innovate UK Business Growth has support available to businesses of all sizes. You can register you interest directly through Innovate UK www.innovateukedge.ukri.org/contact-us or through the East Midlands Chamber of Commerce https://www.emc-dnl.co.uk/contact-us/
