NPL measurement programme supports pre-market UK SMEs

The National Physical Laboratory has launched Measurement for Business, known as M4B, to help UK registered SMEs address specialist measurement challenges while developing pre-market products or services. M4B applications are now closed, with applications closed on 24 September 2026, but companies can register interest in future opportunities.

Eligible businesses must be registered at Companies House, have a product or service that is pre-market, remain within their Minimal Financial Assistance allocation of less than £315,000 of government funding over a rolling three-year financial period, and face a measurement challenge that cannot be solved through commercially available services from NPL or other suppliers.

The programme is aimed at SMEs needing confidence in data, data analysis and AI, as well as companies developing medical technologies, sensors and instrumentation, semiconductor technology, green technology, or engineering biology. It also includes support for SMEs in Greater Manchester and Yorkshire, with eligible firms able to access NPL experts and facilities for up to a maximum of 20 days at no charge.