The Advanced Flexible Materials (AFM) sector is a key component of the manufacturing industry in the Northwest. It is a well- established sector in the region, currently employing 37,000 people and generating £3.97 billion sales per annum. As a major exporter of goods, with 70% of Northwest AFM businesses’ turnover being exported, the sector contributes significantly towards the balance of trade.
AFM are in a unique position performing a crucial role in linking the region’s manufacturing supply chains together. AFM businesses act as both suppliers and customers across the chemical, aerospace and automotive sectors.
However, the sector faces many challenges brought about by factors such as increasing competition, globalisation and rising energy costs, as well as the current economic downturn.
Our vision for the sector is that:
‘The Northwest AFM sector will be a world class centre for advanced flexible materials, comprising dynamic and innovative businesses exploiting leading edge technology; an internationally focused sector equipped with the leadership and technical skills required to meet the needs of 21st century advanced manufacturing.’
Realising this vision and achieving the desired strategic impact of increasing the sector’s contribution to regional GVA, will necessitate focusing activity and resources on achieving the following strategic aims and strategic themes/ objectives.
Strategic Aims
§ Increasing the share of high added value activity in the AFM sector
§ Ensuring the development of effective, appropriate and sustainable business strategies for Northwest AFM businesses
To achieve these aims the region’s AFM sector must focus on meeting the following strategic objectives under three key themes: innovation, marketing and skills.
Strategic Themes/Objectives
Strategic Theme 1: Innovation
Objective 1: To improve innovation performance of AFM businesses in the region over the next 10 years, as measured by the parameters of the Community Innovation Survey
Objective 2: To increase the level of take-up of innovation support initiatives by AFM businesses in the region
Objective 3: To raise productivity in the region by encouraging businesses to implement new technologies and develop new products and business processes
Objective 4: To encourage increased collaboration between AFM businesses and universities within the region
Strategic Theme 2: Marketing
External Marketing
Objective 1: To raise the profile of the Northwest AFM sector, promoting its strengths and capabilities to (1) other manufacturing sectors within region to increase business opportunities, and to (2) businesses globally to attract inward investment and encourage increased international trade
Internal Marketing
Objective 2: To promote the sharing of best practice amongst the region’s AFM businesses; to disseminate market intelligence and industry specific information to the sector; and to inform and encourage the take-up of appropriate support programmes
Strategic Theme 3: Skills
Objective 1: To increase the uptake of training of existing employees and improve the level of qualifications held by individuals working in AFM businesses in the region over the next 10 years
Objective 2: To increase investment in, and take-up of, management development training in the AFM sector in the region over the next 10 years |
