Small and medium-sized enterprises across West Yorkshire can now access a wide package of funded support designed to strengthen leadership, boost productivity, and expand into international markets. Through West Yorkshire Business Boost and the West Yorkshire Business Productivity Service, businesses are being equipped with the tools and expertise they need to thrive.
Programmes include fully funded leadership and productivity support, as well as export advice, diagnostics, and workshops. For businesses looking to take their international plans further, additional match-funded grants of up to £2,000 are also available.
Leading Growth: Building Stronger Leadership & Driving Meaningful Change
The Leading Growth programme supports SME decision makers to deliver effective change and develop essential leadership skills. Delivered by Exemplas and The Leadership Centre at Leeds Beckett University, it combines immersive workshops, peer learning, and hands-on projects.
Participants benefit from:
- Three full days of immersive workshops covering strategic thinking, problem-solving, and change management.
- Action Learning Sets, where peers act as critical friends, offering feedback and insights.
- A live change project within the business, focused on improving efficiency, productivity, or profitability.
- Ongoing support from Exemplas to embed learning and ensure impact.
This combination of knowledge, accountability, and practical application ensures leaders leave the programme with the skills and confidence to drive meaningful growth.
Business Productivity: Unlocking Efficiency and Innovation
The Business Productivity Service helps SMEs improve efficiency and strengthen long-term resilience. Businesses gain access to fully funded consultancy support, managed by an experienced Exemplas Productivity Manager and supported by experts from Leeds Beckett University.
Using a unique diagnostic tool, productivity performance is benchmarked, priorities are agreed upon, and a tailored Productivity Improvement Plan is created. The plan provides a baseline to track progress and outlines clear actions to drive both productivity and profitability.
Export: Expanding Into Global Markets
The Export service equips SMEs with the knowledge and confidence to succeed overseas. Support includes:
- A comprehensive export diagnostic underpinned by academic research.
- One-to-one support to create a tailored Export Action Plan.
- Workshops and masterclasses covering key skills, market opportunities, and sustainability.
- Access to grant funding (subject to eligibility) to support trade activities.
This expert advice ensures businesses can navigate international trade challenges, identify the right markets, and achieve export success.
Real Results for West Yorkshire Businesses
These programmes have already delivered impact across the region. From service providers building export strategies, to SMEs looking to strengthen leadership, improve productivity, and unlock international opportunities.
Why It Matters
Together, these initiatives represent a major investment in the future of West Yorkshire SMEs. They are funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and delivered locally by trusted partners with decades of experience in business support.
SMEs interested in leadership and export support can find out more at wybusinessboost.co.uk.
Those looking to improve efficiency and access productivity funding can visit wybusiness-skills.com.