More than 1000 SMEs have been given a business boost over the past 10 months thanks to a new £9.7m business support initiative. The Manufacturing Growth Programme (MGP), funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and delivered by Economic Growth Solutions (EGS), has helped companies across the UK to grow, develop new products and overcome production issues that were previously holding them back.

This has already led to 400 new jobs, with an additional 359 positions expected to be created once ongoing projects are completed. At the end of July, £1.6m of grant contributions had been made, with money in place to support another 2200 firms between now and March 2019. The MGP offers an 18-strong network of experienced manufacturing growth managers (MGM), access to industry specialists and the opportunity to apply for an average grant of £1400, rising to a maximum £3500. Support can be used for leadership and management, R&D, lean manufacturing, productivity and capacity, quality systems or supply chain development.
For further information www.manufacturinggrowthprogramme.co.uk