Towns Fund: Newark could be home to Smart Innovation, Supply Chain and Logistics Enterprise Zone (SiSCLog) proposal of regional, national and international significance

Newark could be home to a supply and logistics network of regional, national and international significance.

The Smart Innovation, Supply Chain and Logistics Enterprise Zone (SiSCLog) proposal is part of the Towns Fund bid to the government, which is asking for a share of up to £25m of investment.

The aim is to drive innovation and growth in the supply chain and logistics sector with Newark the centrepiece of the road map, creating opportunities in higher skilled and paid jobs.

Building on Newark’s large pool of existing players in the sector, the site would draw inspiration from the best examples of high-tech zones in Europe.

The zone would provide access to skills development and career pathways, through courses in digital innovation, smart business models, managing the digital supply chain, data analytics for smart manufacturing, logistics management, cybersecurity and new technologies.

If funding is approved, the zone would recognise Newark’s potential to develop an integrated, industrial cluster of regional and national significance.

The town’s location puts it in close proximity to major logistic companies, enabling businesses to quickly access their markets.

Tom Cartledge, co-chairman of the Towns Fund Board and chief executive of internationally-acclaimed architects Benoy, said: “This project would provide high-quality job opportunities for local people, allowing them to develop their knowledge and skills to train and re-train in smart innovation, supply chain management and logistics.

“The Smart Innovation, Supply Chain and Logistics Enterprise Zone would be of regional, national and international significance. To drive the economic recovery following the recent pandemic, it would also enable digital capabilities to be realised, allowing remote work through extreme virtual connectivity.”

The Newark Towns Fund Board is working with the University of Lincoln and other partners to develop the plans.

Andrew Stevenson, of the University of Lincoln, said: “Digital capabilities and the logistics of society will need to be re-engineered to deal with the challenges of hyper-globalised supply chains, new consumer habits and remote working. SiSCLog will unlock the unique potential of the Newark driving innovation and growth in the logistics sector.”

More information is available at www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/business/newarktownsfund/