Helping businesses to succeed in Industry 4.0 era

A disruptive leadership in technology programme aimed at helping businesses get the skills needed to start, scale and succeed in ‘Industry 4.0’ has been launched in the North West.

The Access programme was unveiled by technology training and consultancy service IN4.0 at a special event at BAE Systems’ Academy for Skill and Knowledge (ASK) in Samlesbury, near Preston.

Spearheaded by IN4.0’s chief executive Mo Isap, ‘Access’ has been designed through the company’s joint venture with the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) and in collaboration with NatWest’s entrepreneur accelerator.

Blackburn businessman Isap told the launch event: “We have a once in a generation opportunity created by the mass change of industrial digital technology.”

The programme is also supported by BAE Systems and will provide access to specialist advisers from the Made Smarter North West pilot, which aims to help SME manufacturers to be at the forefront of the ‘fourth industrial revolution’.

Top graduate talent will be nurtured through the ‘IN4.0 School’, which will equip them with the skills they need to be employed as ‘Technical Disruptors’.

Dave Holmes, manufacturing director (Air) at BAE Systems, said: “The future is very exciting and we need a collective approach to addressing the challenges that industry faces.

“The IN4.0 ‘Access’ accelerator programme offers a great opportunity for SME’s in the North West the gain the necessary skills and technologies required to become fit for the future.”

Access is an intensive, three-month programme which is delivered to businesses across the region from IN4.0’s headquarters at The Landing at MediaCity UK in Salford, as well as Sensor City in Liverpool, UCLan and ASK.

It will run several times a year and include seven events, including disruptive leadership and technology innovation workshops.