South West Manufacturing Advisory Service (SWMAS) has announced the launch of a new programme entitled The Local Manufacturing Advisory Programme (LMAP).
This new initiative supports established manufacturing SMEs across the South West to understand and develop their capability and capacity to improve and grow.
There is a wide range of support available, which will be tailored to suit each company’s specific needs. As part of the offer, eligible manufacturers will benefit from a free ‘business review’ and ‘diagnostic’ to highlight the key areas for support.
A dedicated team of manufacturing specialists will provide focussed assistance, including strategy mapping, business coaching and supply chain engagement. There will also be funding available for consultancy and capital investment, as well as free workshops and events.
Working closely with the six local Growth Hubs across the South West and other regional and national support schemes, the programme will ensure that businesses receive the right help at the right time, with a brokered referral service.
‘‘We are very pleased to be able to deliver this programme alongside the Growth Hubs’’ said Simon Howes, managing director of SWMAS. ‘‘We have a longstanding relationship with manufacturers across the South West and we are well placed to help them to focus on productivity improvements and continued growth.’’
The programme is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and is delivered by SWMAS to March 2019. The project is receiving £2.6m of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. It will support around 700 SMEs, creating over 350 jobs in the South West and unlocking £1.6m of private investment.
To find out more about SWMAS visit: www.swmas.co.uk
Pictured above: Simon Howes, managing director of SWMAS
