Your chance to overcome manufacturing barriers

However the fact remains that numerous firms who work in the sector often find the challenge of getting the necessary finance they need to take their business to the next level one that proves too great.

To shine a light on the issue, The Yorkshire Post is partnering with investors LDF to hold a seminar to examine and help improve understanding of any concerns that exist around SMEs accessing finance and the future of the current economic climate.

At the event, entitled Welcome to the Flipside: An expert-led discussion to assist manufacturing SMEs remove financial barriers, LDF will reveal the results of wide-ranging research it has carried out on the subject and SMEs from across the region are invited to attend.

Set to take place on March 30 at the YP’s offices on Whitehall Road in Leeds, the event will feature a panel of experts including LDF managing director Peter Alderson and manufacturing organisation EEF’s Yorkshire external affairs manager June Smith.

More names are expected to be added to the panel which will be chaired by Yorkshire Post business editor Mark Casci.

While the main theme for the event will be that of SMEs accessing financial support, there will also be discussion on expert tips for aspirational companies, issues concerning exporting and importing and what other sectors are achieving and how manufacturing can replicate this.

“Small to medium enterprises across major sectors such as manufacturing are key to both Yorkshire’s economy and the UK as a whole,” says Peter Alderson, managing director of LDF.

“Despite this, research we have undertaken shows that over 60% of SMEs in the manufacturing sector across the UK have been turned down for finance, impacting their ability to grow.

“Although SMEs in Yorkshire fare better than many others in terms of accessing finance, over half still say that the time taken for approval and to receive the money has had a negative impact on their business. We must break down the barriers hampering the growth of vital small to medium enterprises and our event is a step towards this, giving SME owners the chance to share their experiences with one another and hear experts discuss the challenges they face.”

The event will start between 8.30am and 9am on Thursday March 30 and take place in the Parkinson Suite of the Yorkshire Post’s offices at 26 Whitehall Road, Leeds, LS12 1BE.

Entrance to the event is completely free of charge but places must be booked in advance. To apply email [email protected].