Automotive manufacturing funding in the West Midlands

What is it and who can apply?

The programme is focused on ensuring the future of the region’s automotive companies and helping them to pick up work once the demand returns to the sector. It comprises a capability review and 100% grant funding. The only criteria is that your company must have a minimum of 20% automotive turnover and be based in the region

The capability review looks into the company’s abilities and structure to generate a statement of their viability as a future automotive supplier.

It will be delivered by the Manufacturing Advisory Service in partnership with Accelerate and will look to grant assist more than 120 companies, ranging from SME’s to tier 1s and even local car producers.

It’s funded by AWM and the European Regional Development Fund.


What can the grant cover?

It can cover the consultancy cost of supporting a strategic change which the company can demonstrate is required to ensure that it will continue to be a viable automotive  supplier. The list of approved activities includes:

Financial re-packaging;
Organisational re-structuring;
Collaborations, joint ventures, mergers;
Product and/or market diversification;
Exporting;
Repatriation of ‘off-shored’ work;
Supply chain improvement/development.

It is anticipated that this dedicated support will safeguard up to 1000 jobs in the supply chain.

“Grants averaging £20,000 are immediately available for businesses that have been hit by the recession and they can use the money to bring in quality approved manufacturing and business consultants and experts to help work with them on strategic issues that will move them forward”
- Simon Griffiths, Chief Executive MAS-WM

To find out more call the Manufacturing Advisory Service on 0845 245 0845, visit www.mas-wm.org or apply immediately by clicking here.