Press Release: 12th February 2021
Small and Medium sized manufacturers in both Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire can apply for a share of £500,000 to help them grow their businesses and create new jobs. The D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership has agreed a deal this week with the Manufacturing Growth Programme that will provide specialist assistance to firms in both counties.
Grants of up to £10,000 can be applied for that will support a third of a business improvement project’s total cost. Through the scheme, a dedicated manufacturing growth manager can also help bosses identify ‘pain points’ and new markets for their products. This is done through a business software tool called GROWTHMapper, a suite of digital diagnostic tools.
The Manufacturing Growth Programme has helped 600 companies in other parts in the East Midlands to date. Through the expansion of the scheme to Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, it is hoped that the programme will help more than 85 businesses in the two counties by June 2023 and support the creation of 111 new jobs and the launch of 28 new products.
The news follows the publication of the UK Powerhouse Report in December and the Demos-PwC Good Growth for Cities Index in January, which both highlighted the strong potential for Derby’s economy to bounce back strongly after the pandemic. Both these publications highlighted the resilience of Derby businesses, the strength of the job market and the development of investor interest in the city.
Amanda Solloway, Member of Parliament for Derby North, has commented on the deal bringing the Manufacturing Growth Programme to Derby.
Amanda said:
“The Manufacturing Growth Programme has seen success in other parts of the East Midlands and I’m delighted that our Local Enterprise Partnership have agreed a deal to bring it to Derby. This is a great opportunity for some of our smaller manufacturers to be a growing part of Derby’s proud manufacturing sector.
Bringing more job opportunities to our city and helping our businesses grow and develop markets for their products will be key components to our economic recovery. We have a number of small and medium sized manufacturers in Derby with the potential for a competitive edge and through the grants and specialist support on offer, many will be able to realise their full potential.”
ENDS
For more information please contact The Constituency Office of Amanda Solloway MP, 13 Darley Street, Darley Abbey, DE22 1DX. Email: amanda.solloway.mp@parliament.uk.
