This paper, published in July 2010, presents the case for changing the focus of the UK government’s direct business support for manufacturing SMEs (small and medium-size enterprises) from ‘productivity’ to ‘growth.’ It argues that increased productivity, without output growth, delivers increased competitiveness, but fewer jobs. Using an approach specially designed for manufacturing SMEs, it shows how these firms can develop the capabilities they need to grow and highlights examples of businesses which have benefited from this approach. Authored by Peter Templeton, CEO of IfM, and his team.
