ENGINEERING and manufacturing SMEs have the chance to learn more about a special scheme designed to help boost their productivity.

Lancaster University Management School is recruiting the second cohort of its Productivity through People programme and is holding an event in Barrow next week.

Its organisers are keen to attract firms from Cumbria and one chief executive who has already taken part was keen to sing its praises.

The scheme is led by academics from the university with support from BAE Systems, Siemens and Rolls-Royce and will begin again in December.

Richard Baker is transition director for Be the Business - the organisation launched by the Productivity Leadership Group, run by senior business leaders.

He said: “We all know productivity is a problem at a national level and a key part of the solution is embedding better management practices. The coalition behind the Productivity through People initiative has invested over £9m to date to energise a business-led response to the issue, and over the next three years we aim to encourage over 50,000 businesses to take action to improve their level of productivity.”

Professor Nigel Lockett, from Lancaster University Management School, said: “Small and medium sized businesses are key to improving the UK’s productivity and, through PtP, those in the North West have a unique opportunity to get involved in a collaborative effort to bring about significant change.

"This programme offers entrepreneurs and SME leaders the chance to find out about the latest thinking and developments in industry, to build networks, establish mentors, empower their employees and transform their learning into improvements to their bottom lines, and with it, boost the region’s economy.”

Chris Blade, who runs Cumbria Crystal in Ulverston, has taken part in the scheme and seen major benefits to his business.

He said: "I would say that all businesses can gain something from this programme. We do not have a lot of resources but by making lots of small changes it can bring an overall benefit."

His firm, which manufactures crystal glass, employs 21 people, who were all challenged to find small improvements. Mr Blade said this had led to dramatic improvements in productivity.

The Barrow event takes place at Abbey House Hotel, Abbey Road, on Tuesday from 9.30am to 1pm.