SME manufacturers in Warwickshire now have an exceptional opportunity to boost sales, create jobs, and improve productivity through a dedicated £500,000 business support initiative under the Warwickshire Manufacturing Growth Programme.
This programme, which has already supported over 80 local companies, provides one-on-one coaching, consultancy, free workshops, and helps connect SMEs to additional resources. Backed by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), it will run until March 2025, offering support specifically tailored to manufacturing SMEs.
Michelle Connor, a Manufacturing Growth Manager, highlighted the unique nature of the programme, stating, “This is the only dedicated manufacturing programme in Warwickshire. We’re helping companies overcome barriers to growth, offering grants for specialist coaching, and guiding them in the right direction to develop action plans.”
So far, 20 projects have been completed, resulting in increased productivity, innovation, and the creation or safeguarding of over 20 jobs. Southam-based Trident Hydraulics, one of the first beneficiaries, plans to grow from £1.1 million to £1.6 million within a year, thanks to strategic advice and growth support offered by the programme. Their focus on developing energy-efficient hydraulic power packs also aligns with their sustainability and Net Zero targets.
Director Michael Owen of Trident Hydraulics advised other businesses to take advantage of the programme, which has helped them access grants, develop new revenue streams, and connect with like-minded companies.
Warwickshire Manufacturing SMEs Growth Programme offers:
- Expert support from experienced Manufacturing Growth Managers.
- A tailored business diagnostic tool, GROWTHmapper, to identify growth opportunities.
- Grants to support business improvements.
- Access to workshops and peer networks.
- Connections to wider support systems for further growth potential.
The programme is open to Warwickshire-based SMEs with fewer than 250 employees and a turnover of €50 million or less.
To learn more about eligibility and how the programme works, visit Warwickshire Manufacturing Growth Programme.
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