Business productivity scheme launched to help SMEs thrive
SMEs across West Yorkshire have been offered support to boost productivity in the region.
The Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, has launched the Business Productivity Service to help ease growing pressure on the region’s businesses.
In the first phase of the service, businesses, with between five and 100 employees, will receive advice and support on how to boost productivity. Once that is complete, most of them will be offered grants for new equipment.
Brabin said: “We must support West Yorkshire’s hardworking businesses during this difficult time as they grapple with record levels of inflation.
“Helping boost productivity means businesses in West Yorkshire will thrive and continue to create good jobs for people living here in the region.
“This work builds on the success we’ve been having helping businesses and I’d encourage as many as possible to take up the support.”
Two pilot schemes of the service were run in 2019 and 2020, and one of the firms that benefited saw its turnover increase by 9% in four months.
Leeds-based stainless-steel manufacturer Pland Stainless received financial support towards new equipment and was offered expert advice.
Steve Duree, managing director at Pland Stainless, said: “Investment in more energy efficient and newer machinery supported through the service saw us quickly increase our turnover and profitability thereby allowing us to continue with further investments.”
Chairman of the Business, Economy and Innovation Committee, Councillor Shabir Pandor, has also welcomed the launch of the service.
He said: “To have a targeted package of support like this will be vital for businesses across West Yorkshire.
“We’ve seen huge pressure on our communities over the last few months, but we’re doing what we can to support and help people across Wet Yorkshire.
“We have already seen the success of this scheme during its pilot, and I am pleased it will be in place over a long period to help SMEs during this time.”
