TIME is running out for Cheshire small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to take advantage of The Manufacturing Institute’s Profit Programme - which starts with a free business review worth £1,500.

Launched in 2013, the programme is aimed at giving support to manufacturing SMEs right across the north west and has already delivered nearly £5 million worth of savings and increased profits.

The Manufacturing Institute, the UK’s leading manufacturing charity dedicated to championing the sector, funded the £2.4 million Profit Programme – matched by support from the European Regional Development Fund.

Since then their practitioners, who have all spent many years working at senior levels right across the manufacturing sector, have been going in to businesses and making a real difference.

Said Davinder Lotay, director of Chester-based Altimex Ltd: “The free business review has created a wave of change for our company. It’s the most valuable advice I have received in years.

“We are already implementing some of the recommendations and are taking advantage of further subsidised coaching days.”

Dr Julie Madigan, The Manufacturing Institute’s CEO, added: “We have helped to create jobs, protect jobs, taught new skills, introduced new or improved products, processes or services and most impressive of all - delivered £4.7 million of GVA as a result of the Programme.

“We’re delighted with the results so far, and the good news is that it’s not too late for your business to take part in the Profit Programme.”

The first step is a free on-site business review worth £1,500 when a Manufacturing Institute expert will spend a day at a business talking over issues and seeing teams in action.

They then prepare a bespoke action plan designed to meet their manufacturing challenges.

SMEs can then take advantage of up to four subsidised specialist on-site support days to implement the action plan.

And they can be followed up with a range of subsidised masterclasses to coach and train teams to sustain improvement.

To be eligible you will need to be a north west manufacturer, with a turnover of less than £42 million, employ less than 250 people and register your own accounts.

You have until Tuesday, 30 June to book a free business review. Go to www.profitprogramme.com to register now or call Lindsey Gallery on 0161 875 2520.