The Manufacturing Advisory Service and the Growth Accelerator scheme have been amalgamated into the new Business Growth Service, a ‘one-stop shop’ support body for industry that was established at the beginning of the year.

The new body, which will be closely linked to Innovate UK and the British Business Bank, also has responsibility for a number of schemes that were previously operated by the Intellectual Property Office (IP Audits) and the Design Council (Design Mentoring). Export support will continue to be provided by UK Trade & Investment and UK Export Finance.

Business and Enterprise Minister Matthew Hancock (pictured) said: “Small businesses told us that the support available was too disjointed, so we have joined it together through our new Business Growth Service, which will provide a tailored package of support to thousands of firms each year.”

Since its launch in January 2012, the Manufacturing Advisory Service has helped over 17,000 manufacturers to improve their productivity and address barriers to growth.