TALE
Transport and Logistical Efficiencies
Free support and funding contributions for the logistics business
TALE is a targeted business support programme focused on improving efficiency and productivity in logistics and supply chain operations for SMEs across Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Kent and East Sussex.
The TALE programme is designed to demonstrate how, through data analytic tools and techniques, business can gain insights to improve their competitiveness through a reduction of costs, introduction of new services, enhancement of customer service and acquisition of new customers, as well as ensuring businesses are protected from risks of cyber attacks.
For the freight transport and logistics sector
TALE supports the freight transport and logistics sector, such as freight forwarders, hauliers, customs clearance agents as well as companies with a logistics function in the manufacturing, engineering and distribution sectors. The programme will work with 200 SMEs for example, delivery companies, food wholesalers, maintenance operations and commercial fleet operators.
The work is led by the Haven Gateway Partnership with a dedicated project team that includes dedicated Business Support Facilitators guiding individual businesses as they develop their growth plans. The programme is delivered with partners at the Universities of Essex and Kent – with their known centres of expertise in data analysis and cyber security.
Options
The opportunities below cover a variety of business needs and scenarios, and are subject to financial assistance from the European Regional Development Fund and SME eligibility criteria. TALE has 3 elements:
1 to 1 Free Data Assessment
This is a question and answer session on how a business currently uses data. This leads to a free diagnostic support plan to show the areas of strength as well as those needing improvement and recommendations on better data use opportunities.
Free Workshops on the Practical Use of Data
Topics of relevance to the specific company include Cyber Security, Customer Insights, Operations, Data Analysis & BI (Business Intelligence), Process Optimisation and Digital Strategy.
Grants
Up to £60,000 (40% of total project cost, non-repayable grant)
Starter Boost £1k to £10k To purchase software and initial consultancy related to data.
Step Change Grant £10k to £20k To support software, consultancy or the purchase of equipment directly linked to embedding new data analytic tools and techniques into the company. The data project will lead to a new product or service being launched.
Transformation Grant £20k to £60k As well as supporting software, consultancy or the purchase of equipment directly linked to embedding new data analytic tools and techniques into the company, the data project will lead to a new product or service being launched, as well as the creation of at least one new post.
Eligibility
Does your business meet the criteria?
To qualify for TALE funding, each SME business will need to meet the following initial criteria:
- Be considered as an enterprise; an enterprise is "any entity engaged in an economic activity (the sale of products or services at a given price, on a given/direct market), irrespective of its legal form".
- Employ fewer than 250 people.
- Have either an annual turnover not exceeding 50 million euro, or an annual balance sheet total not exceeding 43 million euro as evidenced by last approved annual accounts.
- Be no more than 25% owned by another company.
Benefits
What can my business gain?
TALE funds projects that use data analytics as part of a logistics function. The more effective use of data within the company can be wide ranging:
- Companies can buy kit for data collection and processing such as computers, iPads, telephony and data capture devices such as sensors.
- Software applications could include tracking systems, warehouse management, stock control, security protection tools and market intelligence.
- Personnel can include the use of consultancy to come in and advise or help implement a data use solution, and the recruitment of new staff employed within the business to launch a new product or service: TALE can fund 40% of the cost of a post for a year.
Early projects include:
- A system for matching stock and staff expertise to customer requirements with services delivered across a wide geography.
- Software upgrades and purchases for data interfaces, fleet tracking with predictive maintenance and automatic routing, real time inventory systems (to link remote purchases to the overall stock control hub).
For further details visit: www.tale.org.uk
Get in touch
Essex, Norfolk & Suffolk
Sian Dowell - sian.dowell@haven-gateway.org
Patrick Maynard - patrick.maynard@haven-gateway.org
East Sussex and Kent
Fred Thomas - fred.thomas@haven-gateway.org
