NEWS FEED
Dorset businesses are benefitting from their share of grants totalling £2.3million from the South West Growth Fund.
These are the first grants from the fund, which was launched last year by Plymouth University’s GAIN team, SWMAS Ltd, Bournemouth Water Business Services and the Western Morning News. The fund will make possible 300 new jobs for the region.
The grants will support major expansions and allow a number of manufacturing and engineering firms to invest in the latest equipment to fast-track their growth and help them to compete nationally and internationally.
Crystran (L-R): Mark Middleton, General Manager of Crystran with Crystran Process Development Engineer Stuart Everingham. Photo by Samantha Cook.
The successful Dorset firms range from food and drink manufacturers to aerospace companies. Companies that have already received grants include the following:
A £139,950 grant from the South West Growth Fund is helping high-tech Dorchester business Loop Technology relocate to a bigger premises, which will help the company achieve its growth aspirations; Stalbridge firm William Hughes has been awarded £29,500 grant, which will fund a new piece of robotic equipment, creating three new jobs; Poole-based optical engineering firm Crystran is creating four skilled jobs and developing new products thanks to a new machine, funded by a £20,500 South West Growth Fund grant; Dorset food business Primrose’s Kitchen is upgrading its machinery, thanks to a £42,000 grant.
Businesses are now being encouraged to submit full applications by 12 August to have a chance of securing a slice of the remaining fund.
Eligible manufacturing businesses can access expert advice from SWMAS Ltd, whose manufacturing specialists are on hand to provide independent technical knowledge and practical training for staff, helping firms make informed investment decisions and supporting the deployment of new technologies into their production processes. Each successful business will also receive free water and energy audits provided by Bournemouth Water Business Services as a continuation of their mission to help regional businesses be more efficient.
William Hughes: Engineering Director Emma Burgon (front) with members of the William Hughes team.
High growth businesses across the region, from Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, and Dorset to Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly can still apply for grants of up to £1million by visiting www.gaininbusiness.com/swgf or www.swmas.co.uk/business-support/south-west-growth-fund-0
