Many unaware of support schemes

25 November 2013

GAMBICA has released the results of its recent Manufacturing Support Scheme Survey, highlighting the need to increase communications about the support schemes available.

 

GAMBICA ran the survey with support from organisations such as the IET, EEF, IMechE and Intellect. The aim was to gather accurate data and assess the level of awareness and uptake of 18 key manufacturing support services provided by Government. The 446 participants revealed an average index of 34% awareness of the schemes, while 16% of respondents were already using or considering using them.

The most popular schemes amongst those surveyed, with 70% and 69% awareness respectively, were the Apprenticeship Service and the R&D Tax Credits. The schemes that manufacturers are least aware of are the Employer Ownership of Skills Pilot and TRS (Talent Retention Solution).

Steve Brambley, deputy director of GAMBICA, says: "Our aim was to create a survey that would be simple enough to complete but gather good evidence of awareness levels. The results indicate a wide spread of awareness levels of the different schemes, suggesting the need for specific targeted communication actions. The really positive outcome of the survey is that the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills  is keen to work with GAMBICA and the other survey stakeholders in order to raise awareness and promote these essential support schemes."