Electech firms generate new opportunities in South Cumbria

There’s precision and then there’s the work that goes on in an impressive red brick building overlooking Morecambe Bay.

‘State of the art’ is a phrase often used but the offices and workshops of Forsberg Services are where the practical applications of cutting edge science really come together.

The company specialises in precision navigation, positioning and timing technology and with clients including the Royal Navy their work is in demand.

Technology developed here allows the accurate remote location of vehicles to a range of a few centimetres.

Forsberg also produce equipment to overcome ‘jamming’, electronic countermeasures where radio signals are sent out to interfere with normal navigation equipment.

But defence is just one sector where applications for this form of technology are found. Transport, agriculture, mining and surveying are among areas where the circuitry and associated kit produced here could find a role.

With 50 employees at their base at Heysham Port, Forsberg have grown and continue to flourish, in part down to their membership of a group set up to promote and highlight technological industries around Morecambe Bay.

Known as the Electech Innovation Cluster, it was formed to highlight a sector that’s thriving across South Cumbria and North Lancashire yet is potentially overshadowed by larger, more established employers.

“The cluster’s objective is to build the region’s reputation as a centre of excellence for electronic technology,” said Chris Mayne, managing director of Forsberg, a leading partner in the cluster.

“The cluster really bridges the gap between industry, government and education with the aim of maximising the potential.”

After an initial series of free ‘bootcamps’ offering graduates an opportunity to gain practical skills essential in handling fine, electronic components, the group behind the idea banded together to form Electech.

Over 30 member companies now collaborate to highlight the Morecambe Bay area as a whole, aiming to link with local authorities and the education sector to encourage growth.

Recruitment – and the challenge of retaining those who do decide to live and work in this area – is among the main aims of the cluster.

Originally from Northern Ireland, Chris Mayne came to Lancashire to study at Lancaster University. After graduation he began work in the technology sector and with fresh opportunities on offer within a part of the world he clearly loves, he has never felt the urge to leave. His aim now is to find and nurture new talent.

“There’s a number of challenges we face as a company around the skillset needed within the business,” Chris says. “As a cluster we’re able to work together to make sure we benefit as a whole.”

By showcasing the diverse range of businesses that exist around the Bay and recruiting staff locally they have helped stem the loss of skilled workers to other regions.

Both Kendal and Lancaster and Morecambe Colleges now offer the kind of technological qualifications businesses need and together with links to Lancaster University, local recruitment is on the up.

“When we’re looking for new talent there are now more people available in the region,” Chris says.

“Ultimately our vision is that the Cumbria and Lancashire regions are seen as centres of excellence for electronic technology where resources, people and facilities all come together in a great ecosystem which enables businesses to thrive.”