Businesses to see £16m LEP funding package

“Innovation cannot happen in isolation,” said Roger Marsh OBE, chairman of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership, upon the launch of two programmes designed to grow local businesses.

The first, the £9.2m Access Innovation programme, will support SMEs to develop new products and services, allowing them to access specialist expertise. Businesses will also be able to connect to other research organisations, such as Catapult Centres, which provide access to expert technical support and equipment.

Also launched this month is the Strategic Business Growth Programme, which provides support to small businesses to help them “realise their growth potential”.

This £7.2m programme can provide impartial one-to-one coaching on financial management, sales, marketing and planning.

They are part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and the Government through the LEP’s £1bn Growth Deal.

Roger Marsh OBE, chairman of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP), said:
“Our aim is to make Leeds City Region the best place in the UK to start, develop and grow a business and we now have a comprehensive package of support available for all kinds of businesses, accessible through a single phone number and website.

“Innovation is key to driving economic growth and I’m especially pleased that we have this new substantial package of support to help companies exploit new ideas.

“Innovation cannot happen in isolation and this new programme means businesses have greater access to the expertise and opportunities to collaborate, innovate and grow. I encourage businesses owners to pick up the phone and talk to us.”

Cllr Tim Swift, West Yorkshire Combined Authority lead for Business, Innovation and Growth, said: “These new programmes will further support the region’s businesses to achieve their growth ambitions and are a welcome addition to the wealth of support already available.

“The LEP’s Growth Service supports businesses of all types and we have already helped over 3,000 businesses to date. This is set to increase in the coming months with the launch of this additional support.”

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