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A case study for work on the Centre of Engineering Excellence (Norfolk)
The Concept In 1998 – 99 Business Link for Norfolk encouraged senior managers of engineering and manufacturing businesses in Norfolk to network with one another by meeting monthly at one another’s premises. Within two or three meetings, the group identified that they had in common a need for adoption of a business excellence process, an urgent requirement to secure ISO 9000:2000 translation and to increase the provision and share relevant training. At the same time it was mooted that it would be beneficial for the engineering and manufacturing sectors to have a dedicated premises of its own. It should be able to provide academic courses or practical skills training tailored to Norfolk industry needs, an ability to run events and to extend the benefits of networking. Above all, it should be used to engage and encourage youth to become committed to a career in engineering. Establishing the Need South Norfolk Council funded a survey to establish whether there was a real and genuine demand that would economically sustain a dedicated facility. Performance Plus were retained to conduct the survey. Care was taken to select 60 companies that were a truly representative cross section of the industries and sizes of companies within the County. In order to obtain reliable and authoritative answers, the surveys were always conducted face to face with the owner, managing director or delegated director. The survey included sections on identifying training and skills needs and shortages, willingness to provide experienced tutors or training equipment. It sought the opinion of the respondent on potential other uses for the centre and whether, if it were built, their company would actively use and support the Centre. The replies in general were very encouraging with a strong level of support for the venture. Further support was created by the companies participating in the new Norfolk Engineering Excellence group formed to further the aims of industry (this has now expanded into Norfolk “Angle Groups” or Manufacturing Excellence Clubs in Norwich, Great Yarmouth, Kings Lynn, Thetford, Waveney Valley, Bury St Edmunds, Sudbury; these groups are encouraged by DTI through the Manufacturing Advisory Service). Seeking Financial Partners The economic development departments of South Norfolk and Norfolk County Councils supported the proposal to build a dedicated Centre of Engineering Excellence. Business Link for Norfolk and Learning & Skills Council Norfolk joined the steering group at an early stage. Norfolk committed to supporting the Centre from its Shaping the Future funds. The East of England Development Agency provided seed funding to continue the investigations, create a Business Plan and to undertake a Demand and Needs survey; Performance plus were again retained to undertake the investigative work. |
