Specialist support on offer for manufacturing SMEs

February 3, 2017

Manufacturers can now access specialist support and grant funding to improve their business thanks to a new programme in the Marches.
The Manufacturing Growth Programme (MGP) will help businesses identify opportunities and create plans for growth and improvement under the new initiative.
The £9.7m programme is being funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and delivered by Economic Growth Solutions, supported by the Marches Growth Hub.
Specialist Manufacturing Growth Managers will work with manufacturers on an independent review of their business and identify opportunities for improvement and growth.
They will provide a detailed action plan, access to matched industry experts to provide consultancy and coaching and unlock grants to co-fund growth or improvement projects.
Duncan Varnes, Board Member of the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership and the LEP’s Manufacturing Champion, said the programme was a “golden opportunity” for SMEs.
“Just over 14 per cent of all businesses in the Marches are manufacturers, employing 36,700 people. They 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.
“The Manufacturing Growth Programme will give business owners an insight into the risks, issues and opportunities for their business and help them to better plan for the future and understand what needs to be done to make improvements.
“The expertise of the team behind the programme will provide options to bring about real development. It is a golden opportunity for anyone in the sector who is looking to grow their business.”
More information is available from the Marches Growth Hub – a one-stop-shop for business support in Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin, developed by the Marches LEP.
To speak to an adviser, contact the Marches Growth Hub on 0345 6000 727 or email enquiries@marchesgrowthhub.co.uk

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The Marches Local Enterprise Partnership has now ceased trading and transferred all its functions to Shropshire Council working with Telford & Wrekin Council and Herefordshire Council, in line with the UK Government's plans for devolution.

The Marches LEP was established in 2011 and hands over an impressive legacy from its 13-year life. In that time the LEP invested over £196m in projects across the Marches, securing in excess of £100m of match funding and supported more than 66,000 business interactions.

The schemes supported have made tangible differences to local communities, increasing skills, creating jobs and improving the physical appearance of many towns.

We would like to thank all the LEP Board Members who have given their time freely over the life of the LEP, as well as all the staff who worked for the LEP over the years. We also want to thank our delivery partners, local education providers and local, regional and national stakeholders who helped us achieve so much.

The Marches Growth Hub will continue to support businesses and will be managed by Shropshire Council, supported by Telford and Wrekin and Herefordshire Councils. Each of the three Local Authorities will also continue to provide direct business support locally. Details of this support will be available through the Marches Growth Hub website and from the Local Authorities directly. Website: www.marchesgrowthhub.co.uk | email: enquiries@marchesgrowthhub.co.uk.

The Marches Careers Hub will continue to be delivered and will be managed by Shropshire Council, supported by Telford & Wrekin and Herefordshire Councils. Website: www.marchescareershub.co.uk | email: info@marchescareershub.co.uk

For any queries about Getting Building Fund (GBF), Local Growth Fund (LGF) and Marches Investment Fund (MIF) projects supported by the Marches LEP please contact: gary.spence@shropshire.gov.uk

For any finance queries please contact: michelle.hodgkiss@shropshire.gov.uk

The solvent liquidation of the Marches LEP is being managed by the Evelyn Partners Limited. For any matter related to this please contact: Camilla.Mulholland@evelyn.com

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