27 June 2018
Since October 2016 Manufacturing Growth Programme has supported more than 2400 SME manufacturers identify their barriers to growth, improve their performance, create over 1600 new jobs and exceed growth expectations through more than £3m grant funding.
MGP is scheduled to close its doors to ambitious manufacturers and provide free advice and support by the 31st March 2019.
Support can be used for improvement projects, such as marketing, business strategy, leadership and management, R&D, lean manufacturing, productivity and capacity, quality systems, supply chain development and more.
Projects are being achieved through an 19-strong network of experienced manufacturing growth managers that work with the SME manufacturers and create plans for growth and improvement. Manufacturers have access to industry specialists to implement those growth plans and the opportunity to apply for an average grant of up to 35 per cent of the total project cost.
The Manufacturing Growth Programme is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and delivered by Economic Growth Solutions (EGS).
When starting the programme in October 2016, EGS’s aim was to support and drive growth in local economies by making a difference to businesses.
To date, this has been achieved. Creating over 1600 new jobs and a further 600 expected to be completed by the end of the programme. MGP has helped companies across the UK to grow, develop new products, improve their processes and quality and support the economy.
Martin Coats, Managing Director of EGS, explained: “It’s great to see we are playing our role in supporting manufacturers and getting under the skin of what support firms need to be able to make sustainable growth.
“Our manufacturing experts understand the language MDs are talking and can guide them on making the right decisions, before bringing in specialists on specific issues they are facing or opportunities they’re looking to explore.”
He continued: “More than 2400 companies have now been assisted and we’ve created more than 1600 new jobs…those are apprentices, operatives, experienced engineers, R&D specialists.”
“We now have £1.9m of grants to deliver but the window is getting smaller. We want manufacturers to come forward and see how they can take advantage of the assistance on offer before it’s too late.
“It’s never been easier. The process is quick, the scope of support can be tailored to the exact needs of the business and the results are making a real difference.”
For more information visit manufacturinggrowthprogramme.co.uk or follow @mfggrowthp on Twitter.
