Business grant success for Richmond and Catterick Garrison
Ten jobs created, one new business launched and more than a quarter of a million pounds of private investment.
That's the success story behind an innovative scheme to help boost local businesses in Richmond and Catterick Garrison.
Since January, the Renaissance Market Town (RMT) Business Grant Scheme has awarded eight grants, totalling £166,555. That cash has already helped contribute to the creation of ten jobs and one new business – and has been used to secure an additional £250,000 of private sector funding.
The scheme is being run by Richmondshire District Council and Yorkshire Forward.
The eight businesses to have so far benefited from the scheme include ,a metalworkers, a food processing firm and even a traditional butchers shop.
Droy Metalworkers, for example, received £25,000 to relocate to larger premises on Richmond's Gallowfields Trading Estate.
Lesley Droy, of Droy Metalworkers, said: "Our new premises are much, much larger, and that has enabled us to purchase new machinery. Our business has totally changed as a result – it's been a real step up for us, and we've been very busy since the move!"
The firm has since taken on two new members of staff and is currently looking to recruit an apprentice.
Andy Tordoff, Head of Rural Renaissance and Tourism for Yorkshire Forward said: "The Business Grant Scheme has proved to be a real success story. It demonstrates what can be achieved with a relatively small amount of funding by a strong partnership that is in tune with the needs of the local business community".
Councillor Fleur Butler, spokesperson for Prosperous Communities at Richmondshire District Council, said: "We are delighted at how successful the RMT scheme has been – these grants are clearly making a real difference. It proves we can work with the private sector to make sure Richmond and Catterick Garrison < remain vibrant and sustainable service centres for the whole of Richmondshire."
The RMT grant scheme was specifically designed to have a simpler and much faster application process, to encourage local businesses to apply.
Grants of between £1,500 and £25,000 are available – and a small amount of cash still remains to be distributed. There are some eligibility criteria for the RMT grants which operates under State Aid de minimis, and so any small to medium sized businesses interested in applying should phone 01748 827038 or email sue.kelly@richmondshire.gov.uk.
In addition, a separate grant scheme is being run, offering up to £5,000 to small and medium-sized businesses anywhere within the Richmondshire area, subject to some eligibility criteria. Application forms for this scheme can be completed online, at richmondshire.gov.uk or are available from the Council's Economic Development team on 01748 829100.
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Last updated:
03 July 2008
