The MACH exhibition will mark the 10th consecutive occasion that Close Brothers Asset Finance will have participated in the event. To mark the occasion, MTD magazine spoke to Steve Gee, the CEO of Close Brothers Industrial Equipment Division.
Steve told MTD: “We were ever-present during the financial crisis from 2008 to 2012 when no other funders exhibited. There were many deals struck at the show, and a notable one was the first machine we funded for BCW for £95k. At the time, the company was a new business. Today, the company is 20 years old and an extremely successful multi-national with a turnover in excess of £30m, for who we have funded around £10m in all, over the years.”
“The event has a broad agenda and addresses a wide variety of topics, from the sector’s role in helping meet our climate commitments, the development of the digital factory, new automation solutions to connected manufacturing processes.”
Close Brothers SME Apprenticeship Scheme
In April 2015, Close Brothers launched an SME Apprentice Programme to help manufacturers secure the skills they need for future growth and to recruit the next generation of engineers. The scheme is supported by the AMRC Training Centre in Rotherham and the MTA. It is targeted at SMEs who might otherwise not be able to afford to take on an apprentice.
Each year, Close Brothers pays for 20 apprentices, contributing 50% of the wages in the first year and 25% in the second year. Additionally, Close Brothers cover all of the training costs. Further support is also offered for those on degree apprenticeships.
“We know from experience that SMEs need assistance to take on apprentices, so we designed our programme to help. We believe the scheme has made a real difference to the business results of participating SMEs. As we move forward, we look forward to continuing this important initiative in partnership with the AMRC,” added Steve.
