In April 2014, NEPIC was awarded the European Secretariat for Cluster Analysis Gold Label for excellent cluster management – and become the first cluster in the UK to do so.

The Gold Label acknowledges cluster organisations that demonstrate highly sophisticated cluster management and that are committed to further improving their organisational structures and routines for the benefit of an even higher performance.

Certification with the Gold Label demands an intensive audit and proven levels of excellence in fields such as strategy, structure, recognition, service offers and results.

The objective of the scheme is not only to identify the best cluster management organisations in Europe, but also support the cluster management organisations with advice on how to further improve.

To date, 500 of the 2,000 registered clusters in Europe have undergone cluster accreditation. Less than 50 hold Gold Label and of these just six are production and engineering focused clusters such as NEPIC.

October 2014 also saw former NEPIC chief executive, Dr Stan Higgins, elected European Cluster Manager of the Year 2014.

The Award honours cluster managers in Europe for outstanding success stories and was open to every cluster manager in Europe to apply. Stan will hold the position for two years.

NEPIC was re-accredited with Gold Label in March 2016. More detailed information about the European Cluster excellence Initiative is available at: www.cluster-excellence.eu