Steve Bagshaw CBE has been appointed the new chair for The High Value Manufacturing Catapult.
Steve is an expert in biotechnology and chemical manufacturing with more than 35 years in industry. Most recently, Steve was a director at CPI, one of seven HVM Catapult industrial innovation centres catalysing the adoption of advanced technologies and manufacturing solutions to benefit people, places and our planet.
The appointment coincides with HVM Catapult starting a new five-year funding cycle after signing the Grant Funding Agreement with Innovate UK. The five-year agreement is effective from 1 October 2023.
Steve Bagshaw CBE, chair of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, said: “As I see it, one of the key jobs of the HVM Catapult is making sure innovative manufacturing businesses get the help they need to succeed. Not just on the technical side, but also with supply chain, funding guidance, and policy expertise – everything that a Catapult can offer.
“From my time at CPI, one of the seven HVM Catapult centres across the country, I know that SMEs are absolutely crucial to the UK economy. Supporting SMEs is essential, particularly when they are taking an idea and developing it at speed.
“Helping SME manufacturers to become more productive and efficient – environmentally and economically – must be a focus for the industry. For example, if we can help SMEs reduce their energy usage with innovative manufacturing solutions without sacrificing productivity, they can cut their energy costs and environmental impact at the same time.
“I look forward to working with chief executive Katherine Bennett and all our colleagues across the HVM Catapult network to champion innovation in UK manufacturing.”
