06.10.2003
The University of Brighton is giving training to Eastbourne businesses with the help of the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA).
SEEDA has given its backing to the establishment of a 'Pump Cluster' in the region to help develop the pump manufacturing and pump related industry in and around Eastbourne.
SEEDA has engaged the University of Brighton to deliver all the training, including product development, supply chain management and marketing. The university will also give advice on research and development including a specific investigation into high efficiency pumps.
The support is available to companies in the region who are involved in the manufacture of pumps including those involved in the entire supply chain and distribution of pump related equipment.
The programme will run from October 2003 through to November 2004 and is officially launched on Wednesday 8 October at 12noon at the Hydro Hotel in Eastbourne. The aims of the cluster are:
- to develop the existing Pump Cluster in the south-east, with a particular focus on Eastbourne, into a world class manufacturing centre of excellence for the sector
- to create a unique pump manufacturing marketing position for Eastbourne that will support and enhance existing pump companies, grow supply chain small and medium–size enterprises (SMEs) and encourage new companies
- to lessen the impact of the pump manufacturing industry on the environment at the three key stages; during manufacture, by waste reduction & management; during operating life through energy efficiency and at end of life through design for recycling
- to investigate and develop global competitive advantage through the development of high efficiency pumps and associated standards
The pump industry is a significant, high technology manufacturing sector, which serves as a major employer and exporter. The south-east is home to over a quarter of these manufacturing companies in the UK with a particular geographical focus in Eastbourne and the surrounding area.
The pump sector suffers from a number of issues that can be addressed through a cluster initiative and this programme is designed to meet the needs of local pump companies. The goal is to provide a forum for companies to meet and receive training together and to enthuse companies to work together, within the cluster framework, establishing the kind of synergistic energy that will allow the region to become a dominant centre for pump technology. The cluster will focus on exploiting market opportunities in engineering, design, manufacture and supply chain development.
Eastbourne has consistently lagged behind the rest of the south-east region against all the key economic indicators and is currently exploiting some real strengths and opportunities, which could make a significant contribution to improving its economic performance.
John Veness, Managing Director of HMD Sealless Pumps who is the project champion and has been a prime mover in getting the funding, said,
"The pump industry has been the backbone of local manufacturing for the last 50 years. The Howard Pneumatic Company spawned many local pump companies in the 40s and 50s that have until now operated independently in diverse markets.
"The pump cluster presents a unique opportunity for these companies to work together to increase the skills of their workforce and to develop their engineering and marketing ability to grow sales and safeguard local employment."
David White from the University of Brighton said,
"I believe it is a great opportunity for the region’s companies to benefit from funded training and research delivered by their local university."
Sussex Pump Cluster Launch Meeting
8th OCTOBER 2003 at 12.00
Hydro Hotel, Eastbourne
12pm. Arrival, tea and coffee.
12.15pm. Speakers
1. Introduction to the Pump Cluster and its objectives. Mr John Veness, MD,
HMD Sealless Pumps
2. A Technical and Commercial Programme (not an Academic Exercise). Mr Gary
Barr, Operations Director, Johnson Pumps (UK) Ltd
3. The SEEDA perspective. Bob Young, Sector Group Manager, SEEDA
4. Programme Delivery. David White, Business Development Manager, University
of Brighton
1pm. Refreshments (buffet), discussion and feedback
2pm (approx.). Close
SEEDA
SEEDA is the Government funded agency responsible for the economic and social
development of the south-east of England - the driving force of the UK's
economy. Our aim is to create a prosperous, dynamic and inspirational region
by helping businesses compete more effectively, training a highly skilled
workforce, supporting and enabling our communities while safeguarding our
natural resources and cherishing our rich cultural heritage.
Contact: Marketing and Communications, University of Brighton, 01273 643022
