The British Glass Manufacturers’ Confederation, the trade association for the UK glass industry, has been confirmed as one of the successful organisations to bid for funding from Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) through its Growth Deal.

In total, local leaders from the public and private sector have secured a £320 million cash boost for Sheffield City Region.

The cash boost will go towards supporting £600 million worth of infrastructure projects and the creation of a £130 million Skills Bank. The funding will also be used to build new training facilities, including a brand new British Glass Academy.

Dave Dalton, CEO of British Glass and The Glass Academy, said: “This is fantastic news for the city of Sheffield and for us as the trade association representing the UK glass industry. We are delighted to hear Government is investing in skills and training projects, business investment programmes and the infrastructure needed boost the local economy and create new jobs.

“The glass industry is rooted in the work of a Sheffield University department 100 years ago so it’s fitting that the creation of the British Glass Academy as a world class centre of excellence and hub of glass training in the UK will be based in Sheffield.

“By investing in the skills base, up-skilling the workforce and promoting research and development, the Government is supporting the resurgence of the UK glass industry, recognising its heritage as well as its importance for the future success of manufacturing in the UK.”

Source: British Glass/glass-international.com