CeeD expansion plans will support Scottish engineering base

CeeD, the Centre for Engineering Education and Development, today announced plans to expand operations and provide national support to the Scottish manufacturing, engineering, science and technology sectors.

This unique, not-for-profit member organisation brings together business and academics across the sectors and pools their experience and knowledge to help achieve operational excellence.

Currently based in Blantyre with around 120 members, CeeD now intends to increase that to around 750 members; and launch new ‘hubs’ in Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Perth and Inverness to cover the whole of Scotland. The expansion plans are being part supported by Scottish Enterprise, which is providing funding of £325,000 as part of its efforts support the manufacturing and engineering sectors in Scotland.

“Our expansion will be in three phases over the next three years,” said John McDougall, Chair of the CeeD Board. “Longer term, we estimate the potential total of prospective members to be around 12,500 manufacturing and engineering companies across Scotland, with more than 250,000 employees.

“We’re looking to extend our impact across Scotland, and to engage with a broader range of small to medium sized companies. We will also be offering a range of enhanced services to our members, who will benefit from engagement with new industry sectors; strengthened supply chains and a broad range of support with the challenges that affect our members on a daily basis.”

CeeD supports businesses through those day-to-day challenges by drawing from the collective knowledge, experience and expertise offered by members. That means it can provide help and advice on everything from property, planned maintenance and lean manufacturing techniques to energy, waste, training and marketing.

“We never know what will turn up next,” said John McDougall. “But someone, somewhere in the community has the expertise or experience to help. It’s all about learning from each other, sharing best practice and working together. Ultimately, it’s about improving the bottom line.”

While economic forecasts for the UK and Scotland continue to suggest the long-term trend for employment in manufacturing is in decline, the sector remains an important generator of wealth, a source of export earnings and a provider of highly skilled and well-paid jobs. In Scotland, it accounts for 63% of research and development activity.

That makes it a vital component in the strategies for supporting and expanding Scotland’s economic growth.

“Today’s announcement is great news for engineering and advanced technology companies in Scotland,” said Neil Francis, Senior Director of Technology and Advanced Engineering at Scottish Enterprise.

"The support mechanisms CeeD has created are trusted and valued by member companies across the West of Scotland. They’re the ideal platform from which to support innovation across the engineering sector.

“We’re very pleased to be working in partnership with CeeD to provide an opportunity for Scotland to share that success more widely."