Made in Huntingdonshire!

Whilst Huntingdonshire has become an established high value manufacturing centre, did you know that it is also fast developing a reputation as a cluster for cutting-edge composite companies? Mike Richardson reports.
It’s quite likely that Huntingdonshire wouldn’t be the first name on your lips if you were asked to think of a region in the UK that plays a pivotal role in the development of composites manufacturing. And yet, perhaps as a consequence of both luck and design, the region boasts a number of cutting edge composite manufacturers all clustered around the town of Huntingdon. Huntingdonshire District Council’s (HDC) economic development team recognised the importance of the District’s manufacturing sector some years ago, particularly with the opportunity to make the products of Cambridge’s creativity. Indeed, why manufacture in China something invented in Cambridge when you can do it better and probably no less expensively 15 miles down the road in Huntingdon. An HDC-led initiative is currently exploring potential collaborative opportunities between these niche specialist companies, but don’t call it a cluster just yet. This is against the background that to support its well-established and diverse manufacturing sector, HDC set up the Huntingdonshire Manufacturers Association (HMA) several years ago. To put this in context, Huntingdonshire supports 11,000 manufacturing jobs, over 12% of its workforce – significantly above the UK and regional average. “HDC saw a strength in the Huntingdon region that enabled it to easily identify a number of key companies in the composites sector,” begins Ben Hooson, Huntingdonshire District Council’s senior economic development officer. “This was the start of the process of identifying what manufacturing capabilities and strengths resided in Huntingdonshire. It’s a marketplace exercise to demonstrate the particular strengths of the composites sector, whilst also enabling those companies to have a better understanding of what is available in terms of support and assistance on their doorstep. We’ve held several preliminary discussions to gain an appreciation of where the composites sector is heading, what are the key drivers and if possible, how we can help.” Hooson feels there was a mutual receptiveness between HDC and the companies to learn more about each other. What transpired were common interests in terms of training and recruitment including apprenticeships, industry standards, reviewing the proactiveness of innovative materials, sharing information - with certain caveats - collaborative marketing and finally, potential funding opportunities. “We try to ensure Huntingdonshire-based companies know what support is available to them,” continues Hooson, “whether that is funding, mentoring, tailored advice or local supply chain information. It is particularly pleasing to note that several of the composite companies have received funding as a direct consequence of discussions with ourselves. There is a vast array of support and assistance available and we see our role as trying to identify and highlight the most appropriate and relevant to a company’s specific requirement. “The network also offers the opportunity to raise the profile of not only the individual companies, but the district and beyond. We are keen to provide companies with a platform to promote their products and services, but in doing so this ultimately raises awareness of the region and its locational strengths. We want to see the district complement the well-established and recognised international brand of Cambridge, but with its own Huntingdonshire slant.” At this rate, Huntingdonshire could soon find itself firmly on the international commercial map and at the heart of this aspiration is the impressive 150 hectare Alconbury Enterprise Campus, a Government-backed Enterprise Zone located just 18 miles from Cambridge. The Alconbury Weald site will deliver 8,000 jobs, 5,000 homes and 700 acres of green space. Specifically, the Enterprise Campus will provide 150 hectares for offices, research and development and high value manufacturing. It already houses an Incubator Space, includes a five-year ‘rates free’ period and offers an ideal opportunity to accommodate the region’s dynamism and future growth. The international perspective is further evidenced through export activity. “Exporting is very much part of the HMA’s drive,” says Hooson. “80% of one of our composites companies’ activities is export related and investigating overseas opportunities and working alongside the likes of UKTI is essential. One future goal is to galvanise sufficient interest to organise specific Huntingdonshire Trade Missions. “These combined initiatives ensure Huntingdonshire-based companies are kept updated and informed; whether identifying funding opportunities, assisting growth plans, highlighting initiatives within Alconbury Enterprise Zone or possible collaborative marketing ventures.” I finish by asking Hooson where he would like to see HDC’s relationship with the local composites companies develop going forward. “To an extent our actions are guided by these companies, but hopefully what we bring to the table will enable them to continue to thrive and succeed,” he concludes. “Ultimately, a recognised excellence in composites can only assist Huntingdonshire and the wider area. Indirectly we would like to see the continuing growth of these companies and longer term, who knows, maybe an initiative with the strapline ‘Made in Huntingdonshire!” www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk