£8.5m programme launches for Leeds City Region SMEs to invest in digital technology

Leeds City Region business will be set to receive a boost via a new support programme that will help them invest in new technology and learn new digital skills.

Launching today (February 7th), the £8.5m Digital Enterprise Programme will support eligible SMEs to invest in digital technologies or advance their digital skills as they look to scale up and grow.

Digital Growth Advisors will be on hand to offer advice and support to help businesses make an investment that will help achieve growth and raise both productivity and competitiveness.

A Digital Growth Voucher of up to £5,000 will be available for eligible businesses towards the cost of investment in digital or ICT solutions, which includes upgrading a website, enhancing a digital connection, acquiring new hardware or software or a combination of these.

This scheme is the latest support available through the LEP’s growth service, which supports businesses across the Leeds City Region.

Roger Marsh OBE, chair of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP), said: “Possessing intel on the latest digital technologies and skills is not only relevant to those working within the digital sector, but fast becoming essential to any businesses looking to target new customers and improve their productivity by becoming more efficient.

“This exciting product adds to the growing amount of business support available via the LEP business growth service, a single point of contact for tailored business support. It will help SMEs in all our key sectors become more digitally savvy in their day to day activities.

“With grant funding also available to invest in new software and website upgrades, businesses will be supported to de-risk investments that can have a great impact on their bottom line.”

The programme is part-funded by the England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014 – 2020, and will be managed by Leeds City Council.

Cllr James Lewis, deputy leader of Leeds City Council, added: “A recent IPPR North report into the role of SMEs in building a digital powerhouse highlights that small businesses often see investment in new digital technology as risky because of the costs and time involved, particularly as many small businesses are likely to be extremely time poor.

“This new business support aims to take away some of that risk and help save time. With financial support available and a hands on approach from our digital advisers businesses will be supported to find the right support to help them grow.”

The Strategic Economic Plan for Leeds City Region sets a plan to create an additional 15,000 digital jobs by 2025.

With the North’s digital economy creating jobs 10 times faster than other sectors, this new business support programme aims to further enhance the digital sector in Leeds City Region.