Dates announced for World Servitization Conference

UK manufacturing SMEs are being encouraged to attend the first ever virtual World Servitization Convention this September to learn new techniques that will help them grow their business. The event spans three days from 14-16 September 2020 and brings together the global community of leading servitization researchers and business executives. The aim is to transform the future of manufacturing by encouraging manufacturing businesses to adopt servitization strategies. This will be achieved through showcasing the technologies enabling advanced services, sharing information and ideas, and exploring different business models and different ways of thinking.

The virtual event uses a dedicated conference environment complete with lobby, auditoriums, exhibition halls and an online networking function, mirroring as closely as possible a physical event but in a COVID secure way.  Manufacturing SMEs that take part can debate the leading practices in servitization, including the business models, digital technologies, organisational and societal innovations that are helping manufacturers to transition from product-focused strategies to service-based operations.

Paula Cresswell, Business Engagement and Programme Director at The Advanced Services Group, part of Aston Business School which leads The SME Partnership, said SMEs are in the strongest position to drive an upturn in UK manufacturing fortunes during the Coronavirus pandemic. She added that advanced services offer a significant opportunity to add greater value to customers and derive longer term profit alongside traditional manufactured products.

“Since 2012, the SME Partnership and Advanced Services Group has helped more than 200 SMEs to servitize their businesses through in-depth longitudinal engagement, business model innovation, organisational transformation and new technology adoption. SMEs are well positioned to make the transition to advanced services as they are as agile as they are adaptable. SMEs form the foundation of supply chains around the world and are in a unique position to lead the UK manufacturing recovery throughout the next few months.”

The SME Partnership is currently recruiting its next cohort of manufacturing SMEs from Solihull and the Black Country to take part in the programme which offers 12 hours funded support. This is designed to help them make the transition from making and selling products to embracing servitization and a move towards advanced services. In addition to discussing opportunities with attendees at The World Servitization Convention, interested businesses are being encouraged to contact The SME Partnership by visiting: https://www.advancedservicesgroup.co.uk/sme-programme-home

For more information, or to sign up to attend The World Servitization Convention, visit: https://www.advancedservicesgroup.co.uk/wsc2020