Time is running out to access £15 million support service

Suprafilt joint managing directors Jonathan Lord and Graeme Fielden

Businesses across Rochdale are being urged to access a £15 million specialist support programme aimed at creating hundreds of jobs and boosting growth – before it’s too late.

Hundreds of businesses from across Greater Manchester, including almost 50 in Rochdale, have already benefited from Business Support Solutions’ Productivity Programme. 

The programme provides specialist support and advice for companies working in a range of industries and sectors including environmental, manufacturing, life sciences, construction, creative, adult care, financial and professional, hospitality and tourism. 

The programme, which is supported by the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, aims to create more than 500 new jobs in Greater Manchester, safeguard a further 800 and generate £80 million in increased sales.

But, with the investment in the programme from the European Regional Development Fund expected to end in June, business leaders are calling for companies to take part before it’s too late. 

Angie Robinson, Chief Executive of the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said: “This programme has seen a major investment in helping hundreds of companies add value to their business, increase growth and improve productivity.

“There is still time for businesses to get involved – but it’s very much a case of ‘use this opportunity or lose it’, as investment in the programme is only available for a few more months.

“It is for that reason that I would say to businesses working in these industry areas to take this chance – it’s simply too good to miss.”

One company to have recently benefited from workshops connected with the programme is Rochdale-based firm Suprafilt. The company, which designs and builds sewerage and waste water treatment systems, needed support to develop its staff and win contracts. Joint Managing Directors Graeme Fielden and Jonathan Lord attended a series of workshops focusing on marketing and management development skills and feel they are reaping the benefits. 

Since completing the programme, they have put in place strategies to double the company’s turnover to £5 million.

Mr Fielden said: “We have found the programme inspiring and certainly feel fired up and ready to make serious progress. 

“It made us realise that, as directors, we needed to spend more time running and growing the business and had to delegate some tasks to others. As a result, we are able to run the company more effectively and our staff are more motivated and enthusiastic about their jobs.

“Other businesses should definitely look to work with Business Support Solutions on this programme.”  

Cathy Broderick, Head of Sector Programmes at Business Support Solutions, said: “Our business mentors support hundreds of businesses each year, to increase their productivity and performance. This programme continues to be a great success for us.

“But there is still a great chance for even more businesses to get on board. I would urge them to join The Productivity Programme and reap the benefits of what they can learn from our experts.”

Businesses who are interested in joining the programme, and want to check their eligibility, should contact The Business Advice Centre:

Email: busadvice@business-support-solutions.co.uk

Tel: 0845 608 3388