Manufacturers create 267 jobs after funding boost
SME manufacturers in the East Midlands have created 267 jobs in the last eighteen months after help from a funding organisation.
The Manufacturing Growth Programme (MGP), funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and delivered by Economic Growth Solutions (EGS), says it has helped companies across the county to grow, develop new products and improve their processes and quality.
This has led to 267 new jobs, with an additional 155 positions expected to be created once ongoing projects are completed. By the end of January, £670,000 of grant contributions have been made, with money in place to support hundreds more between now and March 2019.
Martin Coats, managing director of EGS, said: “UK manufacturing has just posted its ninth consecutive month of growth and East Midlands SMEs are at the forefront of leading this expansion.
“It is great to see we are playing our role with our manufacturing experts able to get under the skin of what support firms need to grow. We 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: “Across the UK, more than 2000 companies have now been assisted and we’ve created more than 1000 new jobs…those are apprentices, operatives, experienced engineers, R&D specialists. The impact has been across the UK and we’ve helped firms as far North as York, as far South as Kent, as far West as Hereford and as far east as Lincoln.”
“We still have £2.5m of grants to deliver and we want manufacturers to come forward and see how they can take advantage of the assistance on offer. It’s never been easier, as the process is quick and the scope of support can be tailored to the exact needs of the business.”
The Manufacturing Growth Programme was set up to fill the void left by the Manufacturing Advice Service (MAS) by providing access to specialist assistance to help manufacturers to grow and improve.
This is being achieved through an 18-strong network of experienced Manufacturing Growth Managers (MGM), access to industry specialists and the opportunity to apply for an average grant of £1,400, rising to a maximum £3,500.
Support can be used for improvement projects, such as leadership and management, R&D, lean manufacturing, productivity and capacity, quality systems and supply chain development.
Dean Barnes, Regional Director at EGS, continued: “When firms come to us they receive a strategic review from one of our MGMs that determines what barriers are in the way and what support is needed to help them reach their potential.
“Since October 2016, the most common areas of expertise delivered in the East Midlands has been around business strategy, understanding new market opportunities and boosting quality.
“We can also help with continuous improvement and helping firms improve their environmental performance.”
Nick Oakland, managing director at Leicester-based JC Metalworks, has tapped into support from the Manufacturing Growth Programme to secure a £1m increase in business.
“MGP was really easy to access and it has introduced us to some very good people. It has also opened our eyes to the other support that is out there and we are already embarking on some additional initiatives to support the development of our website and branding.
“I’d recommend other companies get involved. The grant, and more importantly the knowledge it brings, can make a major difference to your business.”
