The European Regional Development Fund is funding a £9.7m ‘Manufacturing Growth Programme’ (MGP) to provide special assistance to help manufacturing firms grow and improve.

Open to all SME manufacturers in the West Midlands, the programme will give local businesses the chance to apply for grants of up to £3,500 for projects such as leadership and management training, product research and development, increasing efficiency, productivity and capacity, improving quality systems and supply chain development.

The programme will be delivered until March 2019 and is currently seeking manufacturers looking for support. MGP is working closely with the region’s LEPs and associated Growth Hubs to ensure companies have access to a network of experienced manufacturing growth managers and industry specialists. These experts will help implement a strategic business review and develop a support programme and action plan specifically tailored to each firm’s exact requirements.

The programme is being delivered by Economic Growth Solutions, headed by the former West Midlands area director of both the Business Growth Service and Manufacturing Advisory Service, Lorraine Holmes. In its first three months of operation, her team has already worked with over 300 companies and supported projects that have generated over 400 new jobs.

It is hoped that the programme will continue to help manufacturing SMEs in the Midlands tackle operational issues, make the most of new opportunities and boost the skills of their workforces. For more information about how to apply, contact the Black Country Growth Hub by emailing enquiries@bcgrowthhub.com or calling 01902 321272.