The Manufacturing Growth Programme is one of a number of contracts ran by Oxford Innovation Advice in the Greater Lincolnshire area. We have analysed the business support data that we collect from manufacturing SMEs in the Greater Lincolnshire LEP region to investigate their capabilities in incorporating digital technologies and reducing their environmental impact.
Using MGP grant funding, a consultancy project was implemented to support Hobsons Brewery Ltd in the development of an effective digital sales solution to enhance their online business. The project included the design of a new ecommerce platform from which the company can showcase and sell their products, creating user journeys and interactions that enhance the buying experience, improve engagement with the end consumers and drive awareness of the Hobson’s brand. It will also help to drive foot traffic to offline sales at the taproom, through the promotion of special offers and events throughout the year.
The objective of the company is to be amongst the Pathfinders in the modern methods of construction sector, providing a product which is carbon zero (or can be easily achieved with the introduction of some renewable energy), affordable to local authorities, easy to cost and process from enquiry to an installed home.
Premier Health Products Ltd, formed in 1989, is a UK manufacturer of vitamins and health supplements. Operating from their purpose-fitted manufacturing facility in Coventry, they formulate, design, package and distribute on behalf of their customers throughout the UK and to over 30 export markets.
Manufacturing Growth Manager for the Black Country Region, Helen Fortune was able to support them and help them gain capital grant funding. The funding was used to part-fund the purchase an Orion Flatbed CNC table and arm. The new equipment will predominately assist with the repeat manufacture of material elements of wooden garden structures with removable hard-wearing covers.
The business has a long-standing relationship with the Manufacturing Growth Programme (MGP), which has been supporting SME manufacturers across England in October 2016. The business originally received MGP grant funding and support to improve their product packaging and labelling. The business has since received grant funding towards improving their digital marketing and purchasing new machinery.