Place
While HVM Catapult delivers national and global impact, our work is deeply rooted in local communities. Every business we support is part of a wider ecosystem—whether regional, sectoral or technological—and our role is to help these ecosystems thrive through innovation.
We have a strong track record of regenerating manufacturing communities, supporting high-value job creation, and helping businesses adapt to change. As innovation strategy becomes increasingly devolved, our ability to connect local strengths with national priorities is more important than ever.
Our place-based approach
HVM Catapult works closely with devolved administrations, combined authorities and local stakeholders to tailor support to the unique needs of each region. Our approach includes:
Sector-led regional specialisms: Aligning local strengths with national sector priorities to build impactful innovation clusters.
Connecting local and national strategies: Bridging regional ambitions with national investment and innovation programmes.
Regional Gateways: Expanding access to HVM Catapult’s capabilities through flexible deployment models, without requiring major infrastructure in every location.
Partnerships with local ecosystems: Collaborating with regional stakeholders to understand where we can add the most value.
Regional impact in action
South Wales: A new digital factory hub in Baglan, backed by £1.5 million Welsh Government funding, is helping transform Wales’ industrial heritage into a net zero cluster focused on floating offshore wind—potentially creating 5,000 jobs and £1.4 billion in economic value.
Greater Manchester: The CEAMS Innovation Accelerator is driving sustainable materials innovation, supporting around 50 companies in Rochdale and beyond.
Plymouth: NCC’s regular presence at Plymouth Science Park provides SMEs with direct access to technical and innovation support.
Liverpool: MTC Liverpool supports over 100 staff across two sites, delivering advanced manufacturing support, apprenticeships, and STEM outreach—engaging over 6,000 pupils in the last three years.
Through these initiatives and more, HVM Catapult is helping regions across the UK unlock their innovation potential, strengthen local economies, and build a more resilient, sustainable manufacturing future.
