Aston University: Aston University offers SMEs supply chain advice during economic turmoil

Businesses affected by the fall in the pound’s value against the dollar and other economic challenges could benefit from Aston University supply chain expertise.

The University provides expert advice through UK Centric Supply Chains which assists companies assess and improve the capabilities of their supply chains here in the UK.

The free service covers the Marches transitional (Shropshire, and Telford and Wrekin) and Greater Cambridge and Greater Peterborough Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) areas. It is offered to most small to medium enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 250 employees in the manufacturing, automotive, engineering, food and drink sectors.

Khadijeh Rahmani, project manager, said:

“Over the past few years British companies have been facing numerous challenges.

“These include driver shortages, COVID-19, logistics provider capacity issues, BREXIT, shipping delays, increased freight costs, shortages, the war in Ukraine and the cost-of-living crisis.

“This has highlighted the importance of supply chains, and the solution to these challenges stems by taking a holistic approach of the supply chain system.

“After the economic turmoil of the past week we’re offering SMEs the opportunity to gain a better understanding of their supply chain to help them stay on track.”

UK Centric Supply Chains is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and part-funded by Aston University which provides a wealth of supply chain, business, and engineering expertise.

In August Midlands Enterprise Awards named the service as Supply Chain Support Enterprise of the year.
The consultations offered to SMEs include an assessment of the maturity of their supply chain in relation to existing capabilities, for a given product or a specific product category.

Webinars and workshops are also offered to promote and develop the sector and to support businesses growth.