Manufacturing Business Grants
UK manufacturing has access to significant grant funding for modernisation and growth. Made Smarter, regional growth programmes, and capital investment schemes support manufacturers to increase productivity and adopt new technologies.
Made Smarter Programme
Made Smarter provides grants for manufacturers to adopt digital technologies including robotics, AI, additive manufacturing, and Industrial IoT. Regional hubs offer support alongside grant funding.
Capital Equipment Grants
Various regional programmes offer capital grants for manufacturing equipment. These typically fund 20-50% of machinery costs and require job creation or productivity targets.
Energy Efficiency Support
Manufacturing businesses can access grants for energy efficiency improvements, decarbonisation projects, and renewable energy adoption. These reduce costs while meeting sustainability targets.
UK Manufacturing Grants
27 grants found
Enterprise Emissions Reduction Investment Fund - Energy Monitoring and Tracking Systems
Funded under the Green Transition Fund and part of Ireland's National Recovery and Resilience Plan, this grant supports manufacturing companies to install energy monitoring and tracking (EM&T) systems. The funding helps businesses begin accounting for the carbon footprint of their activities by covering capital investment costs for new metering systems.
Made Smarter - Manufacturing grants and funding
Made Smarter South East is a government-funded programme to drive growth amongst the South East's manufacturing SMEs and makers. It launched in April 2025 and the pilot runs to 31 March 2026 and has a budget of £1.55m.
Capital grant
The Capital grant provides discretionary grant support for capital expenditure projects that align with Scotland's economic transformation priorities, offering up to 40% of eligible costs for small enterprises (minimum £250,000) and lower percentages for larger firms.
Research and development grants
The R&D grant provides financial support for companies developing new products, processes or services, covering a portion of eligible project costs.
Knowledge Transfer Partnership
A Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) is a subsidised three-way partnership between a business, a high‑calibre graduate and an academic institution, providing a cost‑effective way for businesses to attract fresh talent and access university expertise to drive strategic innovation and growth.
Leadership for Growth
The Leadership for Growth programme is designed to develop the capabilities of aspiring managers and leaders within scale‑up potential SMEs across Liverpool City Region.
AD:VENTURE
Provides free business development support and guidance.
Access to finance - Greater Manchester and Lancashire
Access to finance is a scheme for businesses who need help raising finance for growth.
I2F2 Inward Investment Facilitation Fund
The Inward Investment Facilitation Fund (I2F2) provides grant funding for projects new to the Liverpool city region (LCR) aimed at increasing employment and productivity in the LCR.
Innovation Sprint Programme
A fully-funded programme for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Liverpool City Region, with a focus on innovation and growth.
DRIVEN - ESF High Level Skills programme
Grants and support to help SMEs across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire to recruit and retain talented students and graduates. £1,000 funding per graduate recruited for 400 hours or more and / or circa £1,000 for fully funded 80 hour internship. No limits on multiple awards.
CDC Enterprise Agency - Durham
Advice and support for new and established businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about UK manufacturing grants