Showcase iconsys event gives manufacturers insight into digital innovation

6th February 2023

Leading automation solutions provider and systems integrator, iconsys, has joined forces with Make UK and Made Smarter to stage a showcase event celebrating its cathedral of digital innovation in Telford.

The event, on Thursday 16 February (1pm-4:30pm), takes place at the new iconsys Technology Hub on Stafford Park 16, Telford and will bring together manufacturers to learn more about automation and the benefits of adopting digital technology.

It is ideal for manufacturing businesses looking to explore or adopt digital technology and is also a fantastic opportunity for businesses to network, develop new business contacts, share ideas, listen to experts and hear best practice.

Businesses are invited to attend this event and experience a tour of the iconsys smart building, understand the value of digital technology, the commercial benefits experienced by other manufacturers and the facilities and support which Made Smarter can give to SMEs to take on these new digital technologies and innovations.

iconsys is a leading independent UK automation solution provider and system integrator.  Well-established and highly respected, it combines innovative technologies with extensive industry knowledge and experience to support its customers throughout the asset lifecycle to enhance business performance.

It purchased a 17,500 sq ft site on Stafford Park 16 for its new Technology Hub to meet demand and as part of the firm’s continuous planned expansion.

Telford & Wrekin Council’s Enterprise Telford business team supported iconsys with a successful £150,000 funding bid from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Marches Building Investment Grant Scheme (MBIG).

The funding enabled iconsys to almost double the available floor space compared to its previous site and create a technology demonstration area, an amphitheatre for training and an office of the future for agile working.

The council is also working closely with Made Smarter, a fully-funded government programme, to promote support for manufacturing businesses.

Made Smarter is leading the UK’s ambitious plans to grow manufacturing through digital technologies, innovation and skills.

The funding it provides can help Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) harness digital technology to improve efficiency quality and productivity.

Make UK, The Manufacturers’ Organisation, the national body for UK manufacturing champions engineering & manufacturing in the UK, supporting and representing 22,000 employers around the country. 

Formed in 1987 by their CEO, Trevor Darrall, iconsys has steadily grown year-on-year to become one of the UK’s leading independent integrators of software, hardware and automaton solutions for industry.

The company’s 70-strong workforce of software, electrical and manufacturing engineers provide a full project management service to blue chip customers involved in a diverse range of industries including metals, automotive, marine, paper, fast moving consumer goods, food and beverage and logistics.

Nick Darrall, iconsys Managing Director, said: “In response to business demand and in order to fulfil our ambitious growth plans, and with the helpful backing of a £150,000 grant from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Marches Building Investment Grant Scheme, iconsys moved into our purpose-built smart office in 2020.  

“The company’s 17,500 sq. ft. headquarters is now based at the Technology Hub, on Stafford Park 16, Telford, which is conveniently located close to the M54 motorway. 

“The move to new premises has created seventeen highly skilled jobs and offered us an opportunity to create a world-class facility that gives us the platform to meet our current and future needs.  

"Our Smart building has hot desks, open and agile working spaces, an amphitheatre designed for training and a virtual reality area where we can showcase new technologies, among other things."

Councillor Eileen Callear (Lab), Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Visitor Economy, Employment and Skills said: “iconsys provides world leading automation solutions on our doorstep here in Telford and supports our growing manufacturing sector.

“We were pleased to support iconsys’ bid for European Regional Development Funding as they continue to expand and put Telford on the national and international map for digital technology.

“The creation of this technology hub is fantastic news for manufacturers who can benefit from the expertise that iconsys provide and it has also created new skills and jobs.

“It’s pleasing to see iconsys, Make UK and Made Smarter come together to host this event at Stafford Park which is a celebration of digital technology.” 

Charlotte Horobin, Region Director, Midlands & East of England, Make UK, said: “We are excited to share the market leading expertise that iconsys has in automation with the wider manufacturing community and share their new factory, a cathedral of industry, to explore how the adoption of digital technology can lead to higher productivity, efficiency and quality. 

“We are also delighted to be supported by Made Smarter, a funded programme of support for SME’s available across parts of England, to harness the power of digital technology, ensuring that manufacturers are indeed able to successfully step forward into the fourth industrial revolution.”

You can find out more about Iconsys here and the support that the council’s Enterprise Telford team can offer businesses here.