Shoestring launches in Cornwall

The Shoestring programme will soon be available to small and medium sized manufacturers (SMEs) in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly via a regional community levelling up programme. Members of the Shoestring team at the Institute of Manufacturing, University of Cambridge, are working with Oxford Innovation Advice to support a new Digitisation for Manufacturers (D4M) programme in the region.

Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund as part of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme, which aims to promote economic growth and productivity, the programme will support  manufacturers in adopting digital tools and innovation in their manufacturing processes.

We know that manufacturing SMEs can struggle with digitalisation, the Shoestring approach provides a structured way to take a low cost, low risk first step. Our approach has already engaged over 450 companies and deployed Shoestring solutions in over 80 companies, but to scale we aim to develop a regional model, giving companies access to Shoestring expertise delivered by a local partner.

A group of Cornwall based advisors and digital experts have started training in how to apply the Shoestring approach – they are learning how to deliver Shoestring workshops and support the deployment of simple Shoestring digital solutions that help companies get started. Oxford Innovation Advice will use this Shoestring knowledge, together with their GROWTHMapper digital readiness tool and tailored digital adoption business support, to enhance digital skills and stimulate growth in the region’s manufacturing sector.