New programme introduces specialist support for manufacturers

Manufacturing is one of the strongest industries that we have in the Marches, accounting for more than 14.1 per cent of all employment across Shropshire and Herefordshire and employing 36,700 people.
It is a thriving sector that we at the Marches LEP want to build on and the new Manufacturing Growth Programme is an important way to help businesses identify opportunities and create plans for growth and improvement.
The Manufacturing Growth Programme (MGP) will help SMEs access business support and grant funding to improve their business.
The £9.2m programme is being funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and delivered by Economic Growth Solutions through our Marches Growth Hubs.
Specialist Manufacturing Growth Managers will work with manufacturers on an independent review of their business, resulting in a detailed action plan about how to move forward for growth.
There’ll be the chance to work with industry experts who will provide consultancy and coaching and Growth Managers will also unlock access to grants to co-fund growth or improvement projects.
Duncan Varnes, Marches LEP Board Member and Manufacturing Champion: “This is a golden opportunity for anyone in the sector who is looking to grow their business.
““The Manufacturing Growth Programme will give business owners an insight into the risks, issues and opportunities for their business and help them to plan better for the future and understand what needs to be done to make improvements.
“SMEs in the manufacturing sector have huge potential to grow and create jobs if given the right support. That will, in turn, have a positive impact on the overall prosperity of the area.”
Click here to read more about the Manufacturing Growth Programme and the criteria for applying
For more information about the programme, contact the Marches Growth Hub on 0345 6000 727