Last autumn the Chamber introduced a programme of Manufacturing Focus meetings, aimed at local manufacturing and engineering companies to provide a platform to discuss common issues and to network in an informal setting concluding with a tour of the host’s factory.
Venues for far have included Pilkingtons Greengate Works (https://tinyurl.com/y8lktwuv ), ATG Access in Haydock (https://tinyurl.com/yab2o7g5 ) and the Knauf Ravenhead Works with guest speakers discussing topics including advanced automation in production, continuous improvement techniques and cyber security.
The 2018 calendar concludes with a visit to Strarbank Panel Products in Newton-le-Willows on the 4th October, 7.40am to 10.00am.
Established by the Darbyshire family in 1976, Starbank Panel Products manufactures a range of high quality decorative panels and related products used in several different sectors.
Phil Darbyshire, Managing Director of Starbank Panel Products, will lead the discussion outlining the challenges the company has faced over the past 42 years and how he and his management team have dealt with them. He will also discuss the exciting changes that are being seen within the company and how he has been supported with his journey.
Phil’s presentation will be supported by Starbank’s accountants, Livesey Spottiswood, who will go through the intricacies of R&D Tax Credits which can be claimed by companies that seek to research or develop an advance in their field. It can even be claimed on unsuccessful projects. Research carried out earlier this year suggests around £84bn in R&D tax relief available to SMEs in the UK remains unclaimed.
There will then be an open forum / networking opportunity where you will be able to discuss any issues raised at the meeting or that you have faced within your company before moving on to a tour of the production facility.
These events have received some fantastic feedback from attendees which has helped us to shape the format and content of subsequent meetings.
For more information or to reserve your place please email events@sthelenschamber.com, call 01744 742028 or visit our website.
