New manufacturing support service launch

GFirst LEP is delighted to announce the formal launch of the Local Manufacturing Advisory Programme (LMAP) in Gloucestershire.

The service will support 74 SME manufacturers within the LEP area to grow and create jobs. Specifically, it will offer advice and grants to help organisations 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 GFirst 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: “We are pleased to be working closely with GFirst LEP and The Growth Hub to ensure that manufacturers within Gloucestershire receive the right help at the right time. It is often difficult for companies to navigate their way through the various support programmes and packages and this way of working will ensure that it is made as simple as possible.”

David Owen, Chief Executive of GFirst LEP, said: “It is great news for Gloucestershire that SWMAS Ltd has successfully secured funding to launch the Local Manufacturing Support programme.  The Growth Hub is committed to helping businesses realise their growth potential and can only do so by working in close collaboration with local and national programmes such as this one.”

A key element of the new service is that it ensures that there is a nominated business improvement specialist focussed on supporting manufacturers within Gloucestershire.

Phil Townsend, a manufacturing specialist at SWMAS Ltd, added: “I am delighted to be appointed as the lead manufacturing specialist for Gloucestershire. Over the past 14 years I have worked to support manufacturing within the LEP area and I believe that there remains a fantastic opportunity to build on our strengths and continue to grow our vibrant SME manufacturing sector.”

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.