When you start a business you need all the support you can get. And TVCA offers real support, not just words.” partnership with the Department for Business and Trade( DBT).
FEATURE
International – Geneva Instruments, based in Billingham, has seen global sales soar after support from the Tees Valley Export Fund.
When you start a business you need all the support you can get. And TVCA offers real support, not just words.” partnership with the Department for Business and Trade( DBT).
A second programme, Made Smarter, supports small and mediumsized manufacturers to grow through digitalisation – with access to up to £ 20,000 in grant funding available for new equipment and technology, and £ 3,500 available to source and use expert technical advice.
Leaders behind Middlesbrough-based Virasel Valve Solutions have praised the scheme for offering them ways to improve the business.
The small engineering firm specialises in valve repair, servicing and overhaul. Thanks to the funding, Virasel purchased a digital control valve test bench with their capital grant and brought in an expert consultant on engineering reporting.
Sue Donnelly, director of operations at Virasel, said:“ The Made Smarter Programme definitely gave me hope that we can make some really good digital changes to support the business but, most importantly, support our staff.
“ The workshops were excellent – very practical, very relatable. Both Andy and Alan were very knowledgeable and shared their real-life work experiences with us, which we would all relate too.”
Delivered in Tees Valley by RTC North, Made Smarter provides firms with a structured journey to digital adoption, including a string of workshops to explore digital technologies, tailored support from sector experts and networking opportunities with other regional manufacturers.
If your business wants to get involved, regular workshops are advertised through the TVCA website( see below).
Elsewhere, a further two schemes are helping thousands of people across Tees Valley into work.
The Youth Guarantee Trailblazer programme offers high-quality paid work placements and non-paid work taster sessions for young people, helping them to build experience, confidence and a pathway into lasting employment.
It has already given more than 225 people experience of the world of work – and businesses can still sign up to offer placements to deserving candidates.
For employers, wages for the three- and six-month work placements are fully funded to keep financial costs to businesses as low as possible. It can also include up to £ 2,500 in grants towards certified training, qualifications and upskilling – as well as targeted workforce and skills development support.
TVCA is also asking businesses to fill out an information form to kick-start their business support journey. Darlingtonbased Chestnut Bio Polymers was able to save £ 400,000 on equipment and employ three additional staff since engaging with TVCA.
When asked why other businesses should sign up for the support, Lisa McGeary, the firm’ s finance director, said:“ Because when you start a business you need all the support you can get. And TVCA offers real support, not just words.”
Take a few minutes to tell us about your business and help us connect you to the right support. Your insights also help shape future funding and support for businesses like yours. Fill out our form at tinyurl. com / tveoi
For more information on these schemes, visit teesvalley-ca. gov. uk / business-support
The voice of business in the Tees region | 55