Supply Chain North East has received a funding extension for its programme which allows SMEs access to 12 hours of business support.
The Supply Chain North East programme, brought forward by RTC North, North East Process Industry Cluster (NEPIC), North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA) and Generator, has received the funding extension to June 2023 from the England European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
The North East has more than 1,400 companies directly involved or in the supply chain of process, chemical and pharmaceutical industries, generating £26bn of annual sales and employing more than 190,000 people – exporting £12bn each year.
The process industry specifically is one of the largest sectors in the region, with 83 investment projects being completed in the region since 2004.
NEPIC is encouraging small businesses to take advantage of the growing sector by signing up to the programme, which can help SMEs enter the process industries’ supply chain.
Programme manager for Supply Chain North East at RTC North, Alan Whittaker, said: “As programme lead for Supply Chain North East, we are delighted to welcome a 12-month extension to continue supporting our local SMEs on supply chain related themes.
“There are huge opportunities coming to the region, especially as we work towards the levelling up agenda. I encourage all businesses to reach out to Supply Chain where we can help ensure their companies are not only aware of the current and future opportunities but are able to take full advantage.”
Dawn Musgrave, project manager for Supply Chain North East at NEPIC, said: “As the process industry in the North East is one of the largest sectors with huge investment plans across the sub regions, we thoroughly encourage businesses to get involved.
“Supply Chain North East can support SMEs to get into the process industry sector through business development, including workshops and seminars, plus give those businesses access to NEPIC events with key industry figures, such as our high-profile event of the year, Meet the Members.”