Almost £2 million is to be invested in digital technology across the West Midlands to boost productivity and growth in manufacturing and engineering.

As part of the investment, five digital experts have been appointed to improve the digital skills of employees and improve the work of small and medium sized businesses through the Made Smarter programme.

The region has been divided into six 'Growth Hub' areas with Coventry and Warwickshire under the charge of Pail Sullivan.

Paul Sullivan's career over the last 40 years has been in business development across a variety of sectors working with some of the most iconic brands in the world – including Jaguar, Aston Martin and Bentley – and he has extensive experience in body structure and new vehicle development from concept design to product launch.

Paul has worked closely with many government bodies especially in international trade and he has also worked with the UK Growth Hubs, The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders and the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce where he has been a board member and President for over 20 years.

The Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) Growth Hub is leading the one-year Made Smarter scheme, working closely with the West Midlands Combined Authority, partners WMG and the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry.

Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street has welcomed the investment following the "devastating impact" of the pandemic.

He said: "It's exactly this kind of support that will help our region's businesses and the people they employ, recover and seize the new opportunities that digital technology provides.

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"There are tens of thousands of people employed by small and medium sized manufacturers in the West Midlands, and this digital support should help them and their employers adapt to new and smarter ways of working, securing jobs and businesses for the future.