Key Solent business support programme ends after seven years

The Manufacturing Growth Programme (MGP), designed and delivered by Oxford Innovation Advice, will see funding from the European Regional Development Fund end.

It is now urging the Government and local authorities to ensure that tailored advice for manufacturing SMEs is quickly put in place.

A recent independent evaluation of the programme found that MGP has delivered excellent value for money and achieved real results.

The report revealed that over 95% of companies surveyed expected their business to grow in the next five years because of receiving support from the programme, with 63% identifying the development of new products as one of the key areas.

In addition, 63% said they had already seen an increase in turnover, while 52% cited improved productivity as the main outcome of the support received.

MGP was established in October 2016 to address some of the main barriers to growth experienced by SME manufacturers.

Since then, it has been providing grant funding for business improvement/capital projects and specialist mentoring from industry experts, with tens of companies assisted across Portsmouth and the wider Hampshire region.

Its dedicated team of Manufacturing Growth Managers has delivered £568,937 of grants that, in turn, have unlocked £1.16m of private sector investment.

Importantly, it also generated, on average, £35,018 Gross Value Added per employee in the region.

Jane Galsworthy, Managing Director of Oxford Innovation Advice said: ‘We’ve proven over the last seven years what targeted support can do for SME manufacturers, helping them accelerate growth, improve productivity and create jobs.

‘With funding for MGP coming to an end, this creates a significant hole in specialist high-quality support for smaller manufacturers.

‘The results of our own survey of manufacturers revealed reinforces this, with 91% of companies admitting they do not know where to turn for business support once this programme completes.

‘Manufacturing is critical to the UK economy as it accounts for around half of all UK exports and nearly 10% of the country’s overall economy.

‘We are keen, therefore, to engage with government agencies and local authorities to see how funding can be best utilised to provide continued specialist support for manufacturers.’

Ms Galsworthy added: ‘In the current economic climate, where businesses face multiple pressures from inflation, high energy prices, supply chain challenges and reduced consumer spending, the programme and its objectives are still as relevant now as they were back in 2016.

‘It is now more important than ever that businesses have access to high-quality business support services and specialist expertise to help them achieve their growth potential. This, in turn, will enhance the economy, create job opportunities, and ensure the prosperity of our local communities.’

Verity Davidge, Director of Policy at Make UK, went on to add: ‘Manufacturing is central to the future of the UK economy as a provider of high skill, high value jobs, especially in emerging technologies, digitalisation, and the move to net zero.

‘SMEs are the absolute backbone of the sector employing the vast majority of people and it’s vital that support programmes are maintained to ensure they can grow and prosper.’