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The cost of changing business software can delay an investment even when the existing system is holding a manufacturer back. Grant funding may cover part of an eligible digital project, reducing the amount the business needs to fund itself.
Jotika has recently welcomed four customers that used government grant funding towards their software projects. Their experience points to an option that other glass manufacturers and processors may not have considered.
Funding is never automatic. Schemes differ by location, company size, trading history and the outcomes a project is expected to produce. Many are competitive and match-funded, and some require approval before any order is placed or cost is incurred.
Can a government grant pay for ERP software?
Potentially, yes. Certain UK schemes support manufacturers adopting digital technology, and published Made Smarter case studies include businesses that received funding towards ERP and sector-specific management systems.
The deciding factor is usually the project case rather than the software name alone. An application should set out the operational issue, the proposed investment and the measurable result.
Examples could include:
- Reducing repeated data entry and paper-based administration
- Improving production planning and order visibility
- Connecting office, factory, stock and delivery processes
- Reducing material waste and production delays
- Improving barcode tracking, traceability and reporting
- Supporting planned growth without adding disconnected systems
Gtrak 3 ERP connects quotation, order management, optimisation, production, stock, barcode tracking and delivery within one glass-specific system. These practical outcomes can help a business explain the purpose and expected value of the project.
Customer example: See how Fire Glass UK used Gtrak 3 ERP to support productivity, order visibility and waste reduction.
Funding routes UK manufacturers can check
Made Smarter
Made Smarter is a government-backed programme that helps manufacturing SMEs consider and adopt digital technology. Support is provided through programmes covering different parts of the UK, so the funding available and eligibility requirements depend on where the manufacturing site is based.
Published Made Smarter case studies include manufacturers that have received support towards ERP systems, data integration and sector-specific management software. Funding is not guaranteed, and businesses should confirm the eligible costs and application requirements before committing to a software project.
Manufacturers can visit Made Smarter to check which support may be available in their area.
Innovate UK competitions
Innovate UK funds research and innovation through time-limited competitions. These competitions usually address a defined technology area, sector or development challenge. They are more relevant when a company is developing a new product, process or technology than when it is purchasing established software for routine business use.
Search current Innovate UK competitions and read the scope before applying.
Find a Grant
The UK Government's Find a Grant service allows businesses to search current government grants and review eligibility and application details. Search terms such as manufacturing, digital, productivity, technology and innovation can help identify schemes that fit the project.
Search the Find a Grant service.
Help to Grow: Management
Help to Grow: Management is a subsidised management course rather than a grant for purchasing software. It includes training, one-to-one mentoring, peer learning and support to produce a business growth plan. Eligibility requirements and fees can change, so businesses should check the current criteria before applying.
The programme may help a business plan a digital project and prepare its management team for implementation, but it should not be presented as a source of ERP purchase funding.
Read the Help to Grow: Management eligibility criteria.
How to prepare a stronger funding enquiry
Funding providers usually need more than a software quotation. Prepare a short project case before making an enquiry or submitting an expression of interest.
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Define the operational problem
Explain where the current process causes delays, duplicate work, limited visibility, excess waste or reporting difficulties.
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Set measurable outcomes
Use figures where possible, such as hours saved, waste reduced, orders processed, production capacity or delivery performance.
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Describe the full project
Include software, implementation, data migration, integration, training and any related equipment, then confirm which costs are eligible.
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Explain the business contribution
Match funding normally requires the applicant to pay a stated share of the project cost.
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Check the timing rules
Do not place an order, sign a binding agreement or start the project until the funding body confirms what is permitted.
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Keep evidence ready
Accounts, quotations, project plans, subsidy declarations and proof of SME status may be requested.
How Jotika can support your funding enquiry
A funding provider may ask for detailed information about the proposed software project, its costs, implementation requirements and expected business outcomes. Jotika can help customers prepare the software-related information needed to support these discussions.
Depending on the project, Jotika can provide:
- An initial review of the business's current processes and software requirements
- Information about the relevant Gtrak 3 ERP modules and functionality
- A clear project scope covering software, implementation, integration, data migration and training
- An itemised quotation for the proposed system
- An outline of the expected implementation stages
- Information about how the system could support production planning, order visibility, traceability, material usage and reporting
- Supporting product information for discussions with funding advisers
This information can help the business explain what it intends to invest in, why the software is needed and what operational results it expects to achieve.
Jotika does not determine eligibility, prepare the grant application or guarantee that funding will be awarded. The relevant funding provider must confirm that the business, project and proposed costs qualify before an order is placed or work begins.
If the cost of replacing your current system is delaying your plans, speak to Jotika about your Gtrak 3 ERP requirements. Our team can help you define the proposed software project and provide the supporting information needed for your funding enquiries.
Frequently asked questions
Are ERP systems eligible for UK manufacturing grants?
Some schemes can support ERP or related digital technology projects. Eligibility depends on the programme, location, business and intended outcomes. Made Smarter has published examples of manufacturers receiving grants towards ERP systems.
Does a grant pay the full cost of manufacturing software?
Usually not. Many programmes are match-funded, which means the business pays part of the total eligible project cost. Funding caps and eligible-cost rules also apply.
Can work start before a grant is approved?
Often no. Starting work, placing an order or signing a binding supplier agreement too early may make the project ineligible. Ask the funding provider for written guidance before committing to any cost.
Is Help to Grow: Management a software grant?
No. It is a subsidised management training programme. It may support planning and leadership around a digital project, but it does not pay for the ERP software purchase.
Where can a UK glass manufacturer search for current grants?
Start with the government's Find a Grant service, check the support available through Made Smarter and review current Innovate UK competitions. Eligibility, funding levels and application dates can change, so businesses should always review the current criteria before making a commitment.
Important: Funding information can change. Always confirm current eligibility, permitted costs and timing rules directly with the relevant funding provider before committing to a project.
