The first step to accessing support through Grow Tees Valley is to meet with one of our friendly and approachable Business Innovation Managers. This enables us to understand your company, your growth plans and the challenges you face.
They will work with you to carry out a ‘Business Growth Diagnostic’ to help identify the most appropriate way to support your growth plans which may include Growth Spark Vouchers or a Growth Associate.
The Growth Associate Programme runs for 12 months and allows you to recruit a graduate, who is supported by the University or an industry expert for up to half a day per week.
All projects are costed individually to determine the grant available. Project costs are established through the development of a project plan, which details all the expertise, consumables, travel etc. required to deliver that project. SMEs are required to contribute a minimum of 50% of project costs, covering the graduate’s salary (including NI and pension), specialist technical support or sector expertise provided by the University, and consumables up to an anticipated £2k.
Getting the right expertise to support future growth
Billingham-based company NYMAS manufactures bathroom and toilet equipment for elderly and disabled people for customers including care homes, hospitals and the hospitality industry.
The challenge
Recognising a gap in the market for specialist ‘luxury’ products NYMAS approached us to help them look at whether it was cost effective to bring their product design and development in-house, as well update their internal processes to support the company’s future growth.
Businesses must be based in the Tees Valley and employing fewer than 250 staff with an annual turnover no greater than €50m per annum.