A HISTORIC textile firm run by Great British Sewing Bee star Patrick Grant has been boosted with a major investment in new technology. Cookson & Clegg has been based in Blackburn for over 160 years and hopes that its involvement with Made Smarter, a technology adoption programme, could be what takes it to the next level. The programme will see new investment in data systems that could see an increase in profitability, which in turn could lead to better pay and conditions for the firm s 40 strong workforce. Patrick Grant, who rescued the company from collapse alongside sister Victoria in 2016, said: “With the support and advice of Made Smarter we have been able to pursue our ambitions of improving both productivity and cost control across our operations by adopting digital technology.
A HISTORIC textile firm run by Great British Sewing Bee star Patrick Grant has been boosted with a major investment in new technology. Cookson & Clegg has been based in Blackburn for over 160 years and hopes that its involvement with Made Smarter, a technology adoption programme, could be what takes it to the next level. The programme will see new investment in data systems that could see an increase in profitability, which in turn could lead to better pay and conditions for the firm s 40 strong workforce. Patrick Grant, who rescued the company from collapse alongside sister Victoria in 2016, said: “With the support and advice of Made Smarter we have been able to pursue our ambitions of improving both productivity and cost control across our operations by adopting digital technology.
LANCASHIRE manufacturers are set to gather for a virtual conference on recovery, growth and digital technology. The event will be delivered by the Made Smarter North West technology pilot, an organisation working to improve manufacturers access to technology, on March 10 and will showcase the work of organisations such as Make UK and ATEC Engineering. They will be joined by small and medium sized business from across Lancashire who have made use of Made Smarter s North West Adoption Programme, which aims to equip firms with the skills to adopt the latest digital technologies. Made Smarter North West pilot programme director Donna Edwards said: “This conference is a unique opportunity to showcase to UK manufacturers the tremendous achievements of the pilot, the value technology can bring to the sector, and give real-life examples of makers who have started their digital journey, reporting growth, productivity and efficiency gains, and job creation.