West Midlands Interiors and Lifestyle businesses received a boost this week as the Ceramic Industry Forum (CIF) and Birmingham City University jointly launched the ‘New Pathways Project’ – a pioneering £2.6 million initiative designed to encourage collaboration, innovation and diversification.
More than 70 guests representing a range of Interiors and Lifestyle sectors - from ceramics and glassware to soft furnishings and jewellery - attended the project launch at the Wedgwood Museum in Barlaston Stoke-on-Trent, which will afford businesses access to expert advice intended to help them unlock new markets or explore new technologies free of charge.
Addressing guests including prestigious West Midlands companies: Wedgwood, Steelite International, Johnson Tiles, Dudson, Wade Ceramics and Brintons Carpets - who were present to endorse the collaborative project - CIF CEO Sue Evans, said:
“There are many highly skilled, innovative and entrepreneurial businesses which make up the Interiors and Lifestyle industry in the West Midlands and New Pathways has been created for them.
“New Pathways will remove barriers such as a lack of knowledge about overseas markets and technical challenges to product innovation, ensuring that where there is a desire to develop and expand there is also the necessary support.”
The New Pathways Project has been made possible by a £1.5 million grant from Regional Development Agency Advantage West Midlands and a further £1.1 million contribution from the European Regional Development Fund – which will finance the initiative for the next three years.
Mike Barton, Interior and Lifestyle Cluster Manger at Advantage West Midlands, added: “The diversity and quality of Interiors and Lifestyle companies across this region means that New Pathways represents a massive opportunity for the West Midlands - so it is good to see organisations such as UK Trade & Investment, The Manufacturing Advisory Service and Proskills here today supporting this initiative.
“Whether the need is for diversification into new products or emerging markets we are now better placed than ever to capitalise on our world-renowned craftsmanship, collaborate on joint projects and exploit new opportunities through technical and business innovation.”
The West Midlands currently has 2,500 Interiors and Lifestyle businesses that could benefit from the New Pathways Project and employs 37,000 people. Those interested in finding out more about the initiative should contact the Ceramics Industry Forum in the first instance on 01782 415210 or e-mail bernie@ciflean.co.uk