The 'Manufacturing Support Scheme Survey' conducted by GAMBICA, trade association for instrumentation, control, automation and laboratory technology in the UK, proved manufacturers' lack of awareness on government's support plans.
The survey analysed 18 key manufacturing support services provided by Government. 446 participants took part and revealed an average index of 34% awareness of the schemes, whilst 16% of respondents were already using or considering using them.
The most popular schemes amongst those surveyed, with 70% and 69% awareness respectively, proved to be the Apprenticeship Service and the R&D Tax Credits. The schemes that are least known to manufacturers are the Employer Ownership of Skills Pilot and TRS (Talent Retention Solution).
28% of those surveyed were already using the Apprenticeship Service for their company. Interestingly, the scheme to which most companies were signed up was the R&D Tax Credits, with almost a third of respondents confirming that they are involved in the scheme.
“Our aim was to create a survey that would be simple enough to complete but gather good evidence of awareness levels,” explained Steve Brambley, deputy director of GAMBICA.
“The really positive outcome of the survey is that the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) is keen to work with GAMBICA and the other survey stakeholders in order to raise awareness and promote these essential support schemes,” he concluded.
BIS will supervise a forum in November, with the aim of prioritising actions based on the results of the survey.
