Business support initiative creates 358 jobs in Yorkshire

An initiative launched to support manufacturing businesses across Yorkshire has generated 358 jobs in the region, with more expected in the near future.

Funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and delivered by Economic Growth Solutions (EGS), the Manufacturing Growth Programme (MGP) has so far injected almost £750k into small to medium-sized manufacturers in the area.

The initiative’s goal is to help companies boost performance and increase sales by assisting them in key areas such as marketing, research and development, and business strategy.

Manufacturing firms in a number a number of fields have benefitted so far, with the latest being Leeds-based TI Security.

The programme has led to the creation of 358 jobs so far but EGS Managing Director Martin Coats expects that total to rise.

He said: “We are continually proving that the right support, delivered at the right time and by the right people, can make a significant difference to manufacturers.

“[The programme] has already created 358 new jobs, with 150 more expected to be created once projects are completed.”

Set up to fill the void left by the closure of the region’s Manufacturing Advice Service (MAS), the programme is delivered by a 19-strong network of experienced manufacturing growth managers – something Mr Coats believes is key to the success seen so far.

He added: “The difference with MGP is that it is delivered by manufacturing experts who understand the challenges companies are facing.

“They understand the language managing directors are talking and can guide them on making the right decisions, before bringing in specialists on specific issues they are facing or opportunities they’re looking to explore.”

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