1. Business Acceleration for SMEs (BASME) Input to Wilton Wednesday 6 th March 2013

2. Goals of the BASME Programme To grow sales in the process and allied sectors for SMEs based in the region To increase employment in these SMEs as a result of growth If you are an SME in the North East or Hambleton and you want to do more business in the process sector supply chain this programme is for you

3. Key elements of the BASME Programme Supported by RGF funding of £1.5m plus £1.7m of support by process industry Three year programme up to end Q1 2015 but will be maintained thereafter as part of project legacy Based on successful pilot programme Free and flexible support for SMEs using industry experts from project team Access to powerful NEPIC network of 400 companies and support organisations Access to other networks linked to NEPIC – one stop shop Free mentoring for SMEs by industry specialists Team focused specifically on increasing sales of SMEs within region Team focused specifically on increasing exports of SMEs Team focused specifically on developing product and process innovations by SMEs

4. Commitment from SME Have an aspiration to grow your business and create employment Provide sufficient time to explain business to BASME team and to work with them to find ways to grow within the process sector Work with allotted mentor if this route is chosen as an additional means to help you grow Participate in bespoke BASME workshops which are designed to support SME growth Provide details of any job increases and sales over the period of engagement

5. Outputs from this programme and current status 400 SMEs to participate in programme - 120 already engaged 200 SMEs to receive mentoring – Over 30 have already had one to one support and many more via workshops. We have access to around 100 mentors within the NEPIC family Support creation of 1000 Jobs Up to £40m of new business generated for SMEs in the region

6. Summary BASME is ideally placed for SMEs based in Wilton Centre who are all linked to the process sector It is free (apart from time commitment) It is flexible and focused on SME support and growth If you are interested in this programme contact any member of the team, E mail felix.o’hare@nepic.co.uk,call 442560 or pop in to H224