Over 2000 businesses test ways to improve productivity

Over 2000 businesses have taken part in a series of challenges to test new ways to improve workplace productivity.

The businesses were all involved in the UK Futures Programme, an £8.8 million co-investment programme between public and private sectors. Business, universities, local authorities and other partners collaborated in 32 projects to address skills and productivity problems and make improvements to how businesses are run. The projects were based around a series of Productivity Challenges:

• Addressing skill deficiencies in the growing offsite construction industry.
• Improving leadership and management through the influence of supply chains and networked organisations.
• Improving progression pathways in the retail and hospitality industries.
• Enhancing the skills needed to manage and commercialise innovation in the manufacturing sector.
• Developing leadership and entrepreneurship skills in small firms and the role of anchor institutions in supporting the development of small firms.

Graham Hartley, Managing Director, Siemens Power Generation said:
“The SME community both nationally and locally is key to sustainable economic growth for the region and the UK, and the need to continue to develop the skills base and enhance management skills in this area is vital. As Chair of the Captured steering group, I have seen fantastic benefits for the businesses and managers who have participated. This is something Siemens is keen to support in the long term and we look forward to working with Newcastle University Business School in the future.”

Adapted from press release by Joseph Green

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/europe-cis/24082016/over-2000-businesses-test-ways-improve-productivity-145/