New Manufacturing Support Service Launch

The service will support over 90 SME manufacturers within the LEP to grow and create jobs within our area. Specifically, it will offer advice and grants to help firms improve their business strategy, become more efficient, develop new products, access new markets and develop their supply chains.

 

The service is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 2014-20 and will be delivered by South West based consultancy and business support firm SWMAS Ltd, which has been supporting local manufacturers since 2002.

 

To ensure close collaboration with the Growth Hub, a key element of the West of England LEP strategic economic plan and a first point-of-call for most businesses seeking support, the two organisations have formally signed a Service Launch Agreement. 

 

Simon Howes, Managing Director of SWMAS Ltd, said “This agreement reaffirms the commitment of both our organisations to work closely together. In order to achieve the maximum benefit for manufacturers within the West of England it is vital that our organisations have clear referral mechanisms and do not duplicate our resources.”

 

Sam Bell, West of England Growth Hub Business Engagement Officer said ‘’The West of England Growth Hub provides local business support providers with a streamlined referral process, improving their contact information and ensuring they don't overlap resources. Through one innovative, intuitive web portal, you have instant access to an extensive, connected network of business knowledge and skills partners. Based on a fundamental ethos of community and relationships, the West of England Growth Hub offers benefits to both support providers and businesses looking to grow, establishing a stronger local economic region.'’

 

A key element of the new service is that it ensures that there is a nominated business improvement specialist focussed on supporting manufacturers within the West of England. Richard Taylor, a manufacturing specialist at SWMAS Ltd, said “I am delighted to be appointed as the lead manufacturing specialist for the West of England. The West of England has established strengths in a number of sectors that are likely to be key for the UK in the years to come and I am excited to ensure that SME manufacturers play a big part in driving growth and employment within our region.”

 

Manufacturing firms that are keen to engage with the new programme to explore the possibilities for growing their business should contact the Growth Hub and ask to be connected with SWMAS Ltd.