West Yorkshire businesses are expanding and hiring with backing from the Good Growth Programme, financed by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The programme offers grants, coaching, and sector-focused masterclasses to SMEs with turnovers above £100,000. Areas covered include marketing, workforce development, operational scaling, net-zero initiatives, and digital adoption. Businesses also receive diagnostic assessments to pinpoint growth opportunities.
Since launch, nearly 250 jobs have been created, with a further 150 expected. The programme has also supported the development of 254 technologies aimed at improving efficiency and competitiveness. Client satisfaction rates reach 96 per cent.
Recent regional events facilitated collaboration between over 70 SMEs and policymakers, promoting sustainable business growth strategies. Companies like Wetherby-based Naturaw have used the programme to expand production capacity, develop staff skills, and implement marketing improvements.
The initiative highlights the impact of structured, tailored business support in driving employment, innovation, and long-term regional economic growth.
