Funding for SMEs
Funding is vital for SME manufacturers to enhance productivity, innovate, and grow. With various sources like grants, loans, and equity funding, navigating the complex landscape can be challenging. MTC leverages extensive experience with UK and European funding schemes, collaborating with key organisations to support SMEs in securing necessary funds.
Unlocking the funds to power innovation
At MTC, we know that funding is a crucial consideration for SME manufacturers when undertaking productivity improvements, innovation projects, R&D, upscaling, onshoring, pivoting, or even changing factory layouts and processes. Whether for capital expenditures (Capex) like new equipment and factories, or operational expenditures (Opex) such as business support services and materials, securing funding is often essential for growth and profitability.
Navigating the complex landscape of numerous funding sources, including grant funding, loan funding, and equity funding can be challenging. MTC has years of experience across many of the funding schemes in the UK and Europe, as well as equity funding through angel investors and venture capitalists, and loan funding schemes via banks like Lloyds Bank.
We also collaborate with Innovate UK, the Department for Business & Trade, Horizon EU, combined authorities, county councils, and various industry sector trade bodies such as ATI (Aerospace) and APC (Automotive), as well as agencies like the Environment Agency and the Department for Energy, Security & Net Zero (DESNZ).
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The funding landscape
From government grants and regional support schemes to tax incentives and industry-backed initiatives, there are numerous funding options available to support your business goals. Explore the different types of funding below and discover how MTC can help you navigate the application process and maximize your opportunities.
Grant funding
Grant funding provides financial support for SMEs to invest without the need for repayment. Includes: MTC Reach, State Aid / Subsidy Control, Innovate UK, Open Grant Schemes, CR&D, Made Smarter, Capital Grant Schemes, BEAS, Innovation Accelerators, EPSRC and Horizon Europe.
Loan funding
Loan funding offers manufacturing SMEs access to capital with flexible repayment terms. Includes: Lloyds Bank and other Banks, CGFI, Asset Finance
Equity Financing
Equity finance allows manufacturing SMEs to secure investment in exchange for a share of their business, providing growth capital without the burden of repayments. Includes: BGF, Angel Investors, Equity Partners, Innovate UK
How we can help
MTC can help navigate the complex landscape of funding, identifying the most appropriate funds on the market, guide you through the application process and then help implement plans.
Selection
We have knowledge and experience of a broad range of funding streams out there and can identify those best suited to your needs.
Application
With years of experience in working with funding programmes and guiding SMEs through funding applications we can help make the process as seamless as possible.
Implementation
Once funding is secured we can help implement the changes you want to make, unlike consultancies we offer an end-to-end service - standing beside you every step of the way.
Funding uses
What you can use funding for
Product innovation and development
Product innovation and development
Our product innovation and development teams help you turn your great ideas into reality. Experts from multiple disciplines will support each stage of your product development journey with advice on everything from ideation through to advanced manufacturing processes, reducing financial risks, and convening supply chains.
Process innovation and improvement
Process innovation and improvement
We help organisations design, develop, and validate new processes and assembly methods for physical assets. Starting with problem definition, we de-risk complex aspects through strategic solutions. Our projects span the entire development lifecycle, utilising advanced manufacturing facilities and partnerships for successful industrialisation.
Digital transformation solutions
Digital transformation solutions
The digital transformation team at MTC focuses on helping businesses adopt advanced digital technologies to improve efficiency, productivity, and innovation, offering comprehensive support from strategy development through to implementation.
Growth and scaling
Growth and scaling
Our growth and scaling teams help move businesses forward. Our wide-ranging team of experts can advise on everything from adopting automation to refining factory floor processes, as well as helping you explore new technologies and unlock the crucial funding needed when scaling up.
Supply chain transformation
Supply chain transformation
Our experts create robust, innovative supply chains at any business stage. We evaluate, assess, and find the right suppliers, from initial creation to reshoring. Our sector knowledge and tools reduce costs and complexity, increase flexibility, and support sustainable, profitable growth.
Sustainable manufacturing & net zero
Sustainable manufacturing & net zero
Our independent experts will guide you through the next steps of your sustainability journey. We’ll help you explore new technologies and processes, understand the latest legislation, and make lasting, impactful change.
However you are looking to progress your business, funding is an essential part of the process. MTC are experts helping manufacturing businesses take the next step on their journey, from selecting and implementing new technology, developing new products, changing processes - all with the aim for driving productivity and greater efficiencies. Discover more about how MTC can help.
Funding highlights
Ensuring your business is equipped for the future can be daunting, in addition to expert advice across key manufacturing areas we can also help unlock funding streams that aid turning your vision into a reality. For more information on how MTC can help you with funding, get in touch today.
Innovate UK
Innovate UK plays a pivotal role in supporting UK businesses by offering grant funding, innovation loans, and expert guidance. These initiatives facilitate the exploration and adoption of cutting-edge technologies, the development of innovative concepts, and the successful transition of ideas into commercially viable products and services, ensuring sustained growth and competitiveness in global markets.
Made Smarter - West Midlands
Made Smarter has launched a £1.9 million initiative to enhance digital adoption among West Midlands manufacturing SMEs, aiming to boost productivity. Led by the CWLEP Growth Hub and partnered with other regional hubs, the scheme offers expert guidance on transitioning to advanced technologies and improving digital skills over three years.
West Midlands Business Energy Advisory Service
The Business Energy Advice Service (BEAS) offers free energy assessments to small businesses across the West Midlands, including Birmingham, Coventry, and other local areas. These assessments provide recommendations to reduce energy costs and improve efficiency. After the assessment, businesses can apply for grants to implement energy-saving measures.
Made Smarter - East Midlands
Made Smarter has initiated a £3 million effort to enhance digital adoption among East Midlands manufacturing SMEs, aiming to bolster productivity. The program offers expert guidance on transitioning to advanced technologies, including digital transformation road mapping and leadership development, supported by grant funding until March 31, 2025.
Liverpool City Region
Are you based in Liverpool City Region and seeking to boost efficiency and productivity? MTC helps manufacturers leverage emerging technology, assist in improved agility and responsiveness, value chain, production efficiencies, digital systems and controls and govenance. We offer expert guidance and project funding.
West Midlands 5G
The West Midlands' multi-million pound adoption programme, led by WM5G, aims to accelerate digital transformation in sectors like advanced manufacturing and smart communities. By integrating advanced wireless, IoT, and AI technologies, the initiative seeks to drive economic growth, create skilled jobs, and enhance public services.
West Midlands Health Tech
The West Midlands Health Technologies Cluster website promotes collaboration among healthcare innovators, businesses, and academic institutions. It aims to drive innovation in health technology by fostering partnerships, facilitating knowledge exchange, and supporting the development of cutting-edge solutions to enhance healthcare delivery across the region.