There is a huge wealth of business support available to Lancashire companies focusing on a range of business sectors, key issues and markets. Through the Boost website’s Support Directory, businesses can access over 70 different support programmes at any one time.
As part of a new monthly feature, we will be shining a light on some of the support available in Lancashire across a series of key themes.
Manufacturing is one of Lancashire’s key sectors, contributing around 18% of the county’s £40bn GVA, compared with a national average of around 10%. Our first Lancashire Support Spotlight shines a light on some of the 13 different programmes and services related to manufacturing which businesses can access through Boost.
Made Smarter
Who is it for?
SME manufacturing businesses in the North West who want to create new opportunities through innovation and digital adoption.
What will I gain?
Made Smarter gives North West manufacturers access to impartial advice and guidance from digital technology specialists, digital transformation workshops and a bespoke digital roadmap. Businesses can also receive advice on how to ensure their people, culture and organisation are ready for digital transformation.
In addition, the service, which is delivered by Growth Company, offers match funded grants of up to £20,000 for the purchase of hardware and software and manufacturing business owners and leaders can also access a Digital Leadership Development Programme.
How can I find out more?
Visit the Made Smarter page of the Boost website here.
Watchtower Programme: Aerospace and advanced engineering
Who is it for?
Watchtower Lancashire is targeted at advanced manufacturing and engineering businesses or those in the supply chain of the following industries: aerospace, automotive, nuclear, advanced materials, computing and electronics as well as other industries such as rail or medical.
What will I gain?
Watchtower is delivered by the North West Aerospace Alliance and funded by Lancashire County Council. It supports companies looking to strengthen their competitive edge, explore new markets, or adapt to changing industry demands by offering business advice and support, focused around three core pillars:
How can I find out more?
Visit the Watchtower page of the Boost website here.
RedCAT
Who is it for?
RedCAT, the Lancashire Centre for Alternative Technologies, is designed for Lancashire businesses of any size that are developing low‑carbon or renewable technologies and seeking support to commercialise them.
What will I gain?
RedCAT, led by East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, is designed to help companies commercialise new low carbon technologies to through to launch. It provides consultancy, financial and R&D support for businesses to develop their new low carbon products prototype as well as viability assessments and competitor analysis.
How can I find out more?
Visit the RedCAT page of the Boost website here.
Innovate UK Business Growth
Who is it for?
Innovate UK is the UK’s national innovation agency supporting business-led innovation in all sectors, technologies and UK regions. Innovate UK Business Growth supports UK-registered SMEs looking to scale through innovation.
What will I gain?
Businesses will receive publicly-funded support from innovation specialists to develop bespoke growth strategies. The programme covers IP protection, innovation, management, funding access, investment readiness and market expansion. There is also a scaleup programme to help businesses with more than 50% annual growth potential realise their ambitions.
How can I find out more?
Visit the Innovate UK Business Growth page of the Boost website here.
Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) North West
Who is it for?
AMRC North West helps Lancashire-based manufacturers, especially those aiming to modernise production, de-risk innovation, or adopt Industry 4.0 practices.
What will I gain?
ARMC North West is located at Samlesbury Aerospace Enterprise Zone, led by the University of Sheffield and was built using a £30m grant from the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership. It operates several funded and commercial programmes for businesses across the county. This includes:
How can I find out more?
Visit the AMRC North West page of the Boost website here.
You can see the full range of manufacturing support programmes for Lancashire business by visiting the Boost’s Support Directory here and selecting the manufacturing filter.
Not sure which service suits your business best? Boost can help you navigate Lancashire's support landscape.
We've supported hundreds of manufacturers, including Bamfords, Ecoduct and Empress Fencing in recent years and we can help you to find the right support at the right time.
Contact our Business Support Helpdesk here.
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