This week’s Friday Brief sees a number of announcements highlighting business support opportunities across the manufacturing sector.
The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Vince Cable, earlier in the week launched a £60 million programme drawn from the Regional Growth Fund and bank finance investment. The programme is aimed at encouraging small and medium enterprises to expand and has a flexible framework.
Lloyds Bank Commercial is rolling out its export mentors initiative aimed at assisting firms considering exporting for the first time or improving their export performance. The MTA is co-ordinating interest from members in this scheme.
A new manufacturing technology hub has been unveiled at the University of Nottingham. The institute has links to partners in Malaysia and China and is keen to talk to manufacturers about co-operative projects.
Economic news with a focus on manufacturing is highlighted in the MTA’s latest report from China. Mixed fortunes for the nation’s automotive sector are described.
Finally, Geoff Noon gives an overview of the latest economic statistics that will have an impact on the manufacturing sector in the UK.
Have an enjoyable weekend.