Small manufacturers in Bristol are to be supported by a new regional advisory programme launched by the West of England Growth Hub.
The service will support nearly SME manufacturers within the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) area, helping them to grow and create jobs. 
The Local Manufacturing Advisory Programme (LMAP) will specifically offer advice and grants to help firms 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. Formerly the South West Manufacturing Advisory Service, it has been supporting local manufacturers since 2002.
To ensure close collaboration with the Growth Hub – a key element of the LEP’s strategic economic plan and a first point-of-call for most businesses seeking support – the two organisations have formally signed a service launch agreement.
SWMAS managing director Simon Howes, pictured, said “This agreement reaffirms the commitment of both our organisations to work closely together. In order to achieve the maximum benefit for manufacturers within the West of England it is vital that our organisations have clear referral mechanisms and do not duplicate our resources.”
West of England Growth Hub business engagement officer Sam Bell added ‘’The Growth Hub provides local business support providers with a streamlined referral process, improving their contact information and ensuring they don’t overlap resources. Through one innovative, intuitive web portal, you have instant access to an extensive, connected network of business knowledge and skills partners.
“Based on a fundamental ethos of community and relationships, the Growth Hub offers benefits to both support providers and businesses looking to grow, establishing a stronger local economic region.”
A key element of the new service is that it ensures that there is a nominated business improvement specialist focussed on supporting manufacturers.
Richard Taylor, a manufacturing specialist at SWMAS, said “I am delighted to be appointed as the lead manufacturing specialist for the West of England. The West of England has established strengths in a number of sectors that are likely to be key for the UK in the years to come and I am excited to ensure that SME manufacturers play a big part in driving growth and employment within our region.”
Manufacturing firms 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.
