Small to medium-sized manufacturers in Warwickshire are being urged to seize a valuable opportunity provided by a £500,000 business support initiative aimed at boosting sales, job creation, and productivity. The Warwickshire Manufacturing Growth Programme, managed by Oxford Innovation Advice, offers targeted support to local businesses, helping them overcome growth barriers through personalized coaching, consultancy, workshops, and guidance on additional funding opportunities.
Backed by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), this specialized support program is available until March 2025. There remains an opportunity for more manufacturing firms across North Warwickshire, Nuneaton & Bedworth, Rugby, Stratford-upon-Avon, and Warwick to benefit from this initiative.
Michelle Connor, a Manufacturing Growth Manager for the project, emphasized the unique nature of the program: “Given the changing funding landscape, this is the only dedicated manufacturing support program in Warwickshire. We provide a tailored approach, with experts helping companies develop action plans to address growth challenges and secure grants for specialized coaching.”
Connor highlighted the program’s success, noting that 20 projects have already been completed, resulting in increased productivity and innovation. These projects have led to the creation and safeguarding of over 20 jobs. With continued funding available, she encouraged more companies to participate before the March deadline.
The program targets SMEs with fewer than 250 employees and a turnover up to €50 million. Participating companies begin with a consultation from a Manufacturing Growth Manager, who helps identify growth opportunities through the GROWTHmapper diagnostic tools. A £500 grant is available for specialist coaching and consultancy, and all participants can attend free workshops on Digital Awareness, Lean Manufacturing, and Supply Chain Resilience and Optimisation.
Southam-based Trident Hydraulics has already benefited from the program, receiving strategic advice to help increase its revenue from £1.1 million to £1.6 million within a year. The company, which specializes in hydraulic systems for waste management and oil and gas sectors, will use the support to optimize its facility and develop energy-efficient hydraulic power packs, aligning with its Net Zero targets.
Michael Owen, Director of Trident Hydraulics, praised the initiative: “I would recommend other businesses take advantage of this specialist support. We’ve accessed grants and advice we wouldn’t have known about otherwise, and connections with other businesses have opened new revenue streams for us.”
Michelle Connor from Oxford Innovation Advice concluded: “Trident Hydraulics’ experience exemplifies the impact of the Warwickshire Manufacturing Growth Programme. The Digital GROWTHmapper helped focus on business digitalization, leading to new commercial opportunities and potential product developments.”
The Warwickshire Manufacturing Growth Programme is supported by Warwickshire County Council, North Warwickshire Borough Council, Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, Rugby Borough Council, Stratford-on-Avon District Council, and Warwick District Council.