Manufacturers in Greater Manchester are set to benefit from further support, following the return of a fully funded programme to help businesses of all sizes increase productivity and get on the path to growth.

Made for Manufacturing, which is run by GC Business Growth Hub, is actively recruiting for manufacturing businesses of all sizes from across the city region.

Applications are now open to manufacturers who are focused on improving efficiencies and growing their workforce. This is the third wave of the programme, which has previously been oversubscribed.

Stockport headquartered leading die-makers, Arden Dies, took part in the first cohort. Works manager Tony Lynch said: “The programme has taught me to change the way I think about things and given me a good basis for how to go about solving problems.

“I am now thinking ahead and planning things in advance, rather than waiting to be reactive. The networking side of the programme has been very beneficial. It is good to be able to bounce ideas off other people and gain a new perspective from people outside the business.

“We are now working on a couple of projects which will make a huge difference to the productivity of the business."

Neil Mullarkey (pictured below), managing director at Polyfab Coatings and Systems Ltd in Wigan, said: “I have found the Made for Manufacturing programme really useful – especially having an external perspective on the issues we do not always see and what others have achieved.

“It has focused our vision on the real priorities. As a company, we have challenges – we all do – but we are in a great place and excited about where we can be in 12 months’ time.”

The 10-week programme is open to 10 non-competing manufacturing companies. It will offer tailored advice and workshops from speakers, peer-to-peer learning and one-on-one support from one of the Hub’s specialist manufacturing advisors.

Other support will include virtual factory tours to observe industry best practices, workshops, and practical exercises to help business leaders commit to actions and continuous improvements. It will also identify opportunities and priorities for competitive advantage through digitalisation, additive manufacture and automation.

Anne Campion, manufacturing lead at GC Business Growth Hub (pictured above), said: “We are excited to announce the third wave of Made in Manufacturing following the enormous success of the previous two programmes, which has demonstrated a real appetite for this kind of support.

“Manufacturers who have taken part have benefitted not only from the practical support to identify ways to streamline their business and explore opportunities for growth, but also from invaluable peer support and networking.

“This is an excellent opportunity for businesses of all sizes to learn from each other and maximise growth opportunities. We only have 10 places for the programme, and I would urge companies interested to get in contact soon.”

Over the past five years, the Hub’s Manufacturing Team has worked with more than 700 companies, delivered £32 million-plus of sales increases and supported in the creation of over 400 jobs.

The third Made For Manufacturing programme will run from March until July 2021 and the deadline for applications is 12 February 2021.

To take part in the Made for Manufacturing programme, visit the website (www.businessgrowthhub.com/madeformanufacturing) or telephone 0161 350 3050.