A LANCASHIRE digital training group has grown by more than 80% during the coronavirus lockdown compared to the same period last year by winning major contracts to help other firms adopt cloud technology.

IN4.0 Group, members of East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce with offices in both Preston and MediaCityUK along operations across the county, found that the pandemic had significantly increased demand for this kind of technology as firms increasingly moved online to help stem the spread of the virus.

The company has also now forged partnerships with brands including Amazon Web Services, The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

IN4.0 Group founder and CEO Mo Isap said: “We are seeing a growing trend for businesses who are actively looking to adopt digital technology into their existing systems or develop new ones.

“We are supporting as many companies as we can with introducing these digital processes so they can quickly recover and future proof their businesses.

“Whether they need help with upskilling teams or recruiting the best digital talent in the North West, we can help with identifying skills gaps and providing a solution.”

The company has capitalised on this upturn in business by launching several new projects including a pan-northern investment seed fund, supporting the acceleration of home-grown technology start-ups and scale-ups.

IN4.0 has also embarked on a joint venture business with the University of Central Lancashire that focuses on using disruptive technology to streamline manufacturing processes in order to increase revenue and efficiency.

Possible the most impactful of these new ventures however, is the IN4.0 talent academy launched in July, a 12-week specialist digital skills training programme, which is supported by the Fast Track Fund, in partnership with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Department for Culture Media & Sport and the Lancashire Digital Skills Partnership.

Mr Isap said: “We have ambitious plans for further growth across all our services, upskilling, project implementation and training in new technologies, particularly in cloud and data, is now more needed than ever.

“We want to keep building new partner relationships and continue to nurture the brightest talent, so it is kept within the region to support the local economy.”