Holmes & Hills Solicitors' team of manufacturing solicitors recently got in touch with The Manufacturing Growth Programme to find out a bit more about them and what they were offering to manufacturing companies.
Since October 2016 The Manufacturing Growth Programme (MGP) has supported more than 2400 SME manufacturers in regions throughout England identify their barriers to growth, improve their performance, create over 1600 new jobs and exceed growth expectations through more than £3m grant funding. All of which your business may be entitled to, subject to meeting the programmes criteria.
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 through making a difference to businesses. To date, the programme has successfully contributed to businesses creating over 1600 new jobs and a further 600 expected to be completed by the end of the programme in 2019. MGP has helped companies across the UK to grow, develop new products, improve their processes and quality standards and support the economy.
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. With a 19-strong network of experienced Manufacturing Growth Managers placed throughout key regions in England, including one in the Essex area, SME manufacturers are able to take advantage of specialist knowledge to create targeted 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% of the total project cost.
SME manufacturers have a limited window to seek financial support and advice as the MGP is scheduled to close its doors by the 31st March 2019. However, there is £1.9m worth of grant funding and support available so SME manufacturers are urged to get in contact as soon as possible to take maximum advantage of the support available. Local Manufacturing Growth Manager Sarah Goodwin comments on working with local businesses in Essex, “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.”
Kevin Quinn of Vacform Group stated; “The whole experience was very refreshing, would definitely recommend both the MGP and the consultant to other SME manufacturers.”
Alex Auger founder of The Juice Executive commented; “The MGP support has unleashed our full potential and we’re looking forward to continuing to work with our MGM to launch new products.”
Apostolos Papadopoulos, MD of Crop Intellect Ltd commented; “The process of working with the Manufacturing Growth Programme has been simple, straight forward and very efficient. Everything has gone really well, and the funding will be of massive help as our business continues to expand its operations and sales potential. Although we are only a small business at present we have very big plans which will hopefully create jobs over the coming years – accessing support such as the MGP is a real benefit to us and we hope to access more support in the future.”
Ian Smith, MD of Oset Bikes Limited said; “The ease of the process made the programme application very worthwhile and painless. A very high value project, full marks to our MGM and to the programme as a whole.”
N.b. The above comments were provided to Holmes & Hills Solicitors by The Manufacturing Growth Programme and not sought directly.
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