Good Growth programme drives West Yorkshire jobs

A West Yorkshire business initiative is helping local companies expand and create jobs.

The Good Growth Programme, funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, has already generated nearly 250 roles, with another 150 expected. 

Delivered by Oxford Innovation Advice, the programme supports SMEs with turnover of £100,000 or more, offering grants, one-to-one coaching and access to five themed masterclasses covering marketing, skills, scaling operations, net-zero and digital adoption.

All participating businesses benefit from a GROWTHmapper® diagnostic to identify strengths and opportunities for growth. 

Recent events in Leeds brought together over 70 SMEs and policymakers to discuss future support strategies for the region, focusing on inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

David Wright, programme manager, said: “The WYCA’s Good Growth Programme has been highly effective in assisting SMEs across the region and, arguably, could be the blueprint for what highly successful business support looks like.

“Our success stems from the bespoke nature of the help offered, particularly the in-depth business diagnostics conducted by experienced local client managers to identify growth opportunities. 

“Combined with expert coaching, this tailored approach has enabled fully engaged SMEs to implement meaningful changes and accelerate their growth.”

David added: “There have been additional spin-off impacts for West Yorkshire too, with 254 technologies developed – these will make our firms more competitive and should provide short, medium and long-term expansion opportunities. 

“A 96 per cent client satisfaction rating speaks volumes for how business owners found the support.

“I think it’s important to showcase how funds have been utilised and the economic and human difference it has made on the ground. 

“This recent event delivered that in abundance and was a fantastic way to connect business owners with policy makers and economic development officers in the hope that long-term, sustainable business support will continue to be central to their funding plans.”

Wetherby-based Naturaw is one firm benefiting from the programme, using support to upskill its 40-strong workforce, develop marketing strategies and expand into a new 30,000sq ft production facility producing sustainable raw dog food products.

Jess Warneken, founder of Naturaw, added: “We’re doubling in size every two years and recruitment/skills continue to be one of our biggest challenges.

“That’s where the Good Growth Programme has played such a key role, helping us identify the right people to upskill within the business and look at how we take new team members on.

“We’ve also been boosted by the expertise of a local coach, who has worked with us on new marketing plans and website development. 

“I can’t recommend the advice enough – when you are dealing with so many everyday challenges, the opportunity to get specialist assistance from someone who can step back and see the business holistically, is fantastic.”

For further information about the Good Growth Programme, see here.

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