The £97m Textiles Growth Programme has been launched focused on Greater Manchester, Lancashire and West Yorkshire where the UK’s historic textile and clothing sector and homeware manufacturing is concentrated to support capital projects, skills training and research and development.

The programme is aimed at businesses within the textiles sector, and covers manufacturers from carpets to clothing, as well as industry suppliers, such as textile machinery manufacturers and designers.

A combination of capital and revenue grants are available for projects related to new or improved premises, plant, machinery, equipment, energy efficiency, workforce training, research and development and products.

One of the companies to benefit from the programme so far is Grafea, which makes a range of high-end leather bags, rucksacks and satchels for luxury markets in Italy, China, Russia and America from their site in Dukinfield in Tameside, Manchester.

As the popularity of their products grew, directors Yanni and Charis Kioupouroglou recognised the need for a significant expansion programme, including the purchase of new equipment so they could increase production capacity and cater for the growing demand.

The duo decided to apply for support through the Textiles Growth Programme have since worked with a number of growth hub services, including UKTI, who have helped the company expand into new premises and grow their presence overseas.

Charis said that he would highly recommend the Business Growth Hub and UKTI to anyone running a business. Their support in accessing finance and grants, and practical help with exporting and website, has been pivotal in growing the business.