Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) released figures that show that in uncertain economic times, appetite in initiatives that drive business growth remains high. From April 2018 to the present day, the LEP and its network of partners has invested in businesses through the approval of 856 grants.
There is a wide range of support available that helps businesses to start up, innovate new products and services, make capital investments, create jobs, cut costs through resource efficiency, invest in digital and recruit apprentices.
Roger Marsh OBE, Chair of the LEP, said:
“We invest in businesses to accelerate their growth. People can be put off by the perception that it’s complicated to apply for this support, but we’ve worked hard to streamline it. These figures demonstrate this.”
Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Leader of Bradford Council, said:
“We’re responsive to the needs of businesses. I was delighted we recently extended our apprenticeship grant so that more businesses in Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds, Wakefield and York can apply for up to £2500 to help recruit their first apprentice. I encourage business owners to get in touch to find out more.”
Keighley-based Global Precision Ltd wanted to invest in larger premises to enable business growth. The business wanted to home-shore a larger proportion of their manufacturing operations – traditionally outsourced to Asia – by moving premises and increasing the production capacity of their plant. The company contacted the LEP and secured £50,000 alongside its own investment of £440,000 to purchase a range of new manufacturing kit.
Director of Global Precision Ltd, Andrew Sale said:
“The on-going support we have received from the LEP has meant we have been able to plan for and meet our growth plans. We didn’t realise there was so much support out there for businesses in the region. Mark helped us to identify and access this support which has made a real difference to our bottom line.
“The capital investment in our new premises has led to the creation of five new jobs and increased productivity which is good for both our business and the local area.”
