Supporting UK manufacturing SMEs
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) make up 99% of UK manufacturing firms and contribute over half of the sector’s turnover. They are vital to regional economies, national supply chains, and innovation—but often face significant challenges including limited funding, rising costs, supply chain disruptions, and skills shortages.
HVM Catapult works with thousands of manufacturing SMEs each year, helping them overcome these barriers and unlock their full potential. In 2023–24, SMEs supported by HVM Catapult saw average turnover grow by over 10% and employment rise by nearly 8%.
Our SME offer
We provide tailored, accessible support designed to meet the unique needs of SMEs. Our centres offer:
Expert guidance from specialists in industrial technologies and manufacturing transformation.
Access to cutting-edge equipment and emerging technologies.
Live testing environments including demonstrators and sand pits to trial innovations before investment.
Connections to industrial clusters and cross-sector networks.
Opportunities to engage in R&D and develop new materials, processes and products.
We also offer targeted programmes to reduce barriers to innovation. For example, the Manufacturing Energy Toolkit (MET) helps SMEs cut energy use and emissions—achieving savings of 12–46%—and is now available across all centres.
Making support accessible
We understand cost can be a barrier. That’s why we offer initiatives like match funding (e.g. NCC’s “Edge” programme) and subsidised support (e.g. MTC’s Reach Programme). We also work with partners such as LEPs, growth hubs, Innovate UK, and Make UK to ensure SMEs can access the right support and funding.
Our centres and satellite locations act as a ‘front door’ to the full HVM Catapult network, helping SMEs navigate their journey from first engagement to full-scale transformation. Where needs fall outside our scope, we’ll connect businesses to other trusted support providers.
With over 5,000 SME engagements annually, HVM Catapult is the UK’s leading accelerator for manufacturing SMEs—driving innovation, sustainability, productivity and growth.
