Register to attend launch of hub on New College Lanarkshire that will boost business

The aim of Smart Hub Lanarkshire is to help small and medium size businesses in the manufacturing sector grow in North Lanarkshire.

And the distinctive cylindrical building on the Ravenscraig site will boast a robotics and automation training facility and provide a dedicated space for business people to meet and exchange ideas.

The new initiative has been undertaken in partnership between North Lanarkshire Council and the University of Strathclyde and the college itself.

It was one of 12 projects to be a share of £15.8 million of funding from the Scottish Government through the Advancing Manufacturing Challenge Fund.

And it is well-placed to be in North Lanarkshire – as Scottish Government data shows there are over 575 manufacturing businesses within the authority, employing more than 11,230 people and generating a turnover of £2.2 billion.

Initially the Hub will offer webinars and online demonstrations, with the aim of physically opening its doors in the summer -and it is not just the older generation who will benefit from the ‘ideas factory’ inside.

Robert Steenson, Executive Director of Enterprise and Communities at North Lanarkshire Council said: “ This is an innovative initiative which will support firms in this sector to develop and grow their businesses, as well as offering learning opportunities for local school pupils to encourage an interest in STEM subjects as potential career options.”Professor Christopher Moore, Principal at New College Lanarkshire explained: “The Smart Hub will host a range of technologies which can be used in manufacturing to improve productivity, reliability, flexibility and quality.

"This includes welding processes, machine tending, assembly processes and dispensing, along with a range of 3D printing technologies.”

To register to attend the launch event, visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/smart-hub-lanarkshire-virtual-launch-event-tickets-148190719431