Following the successful launch of East Staffordshire Borough Council’s Business Development Fund in August 2013, two companies in Burton on Trent have been successful in securing a grant.
The aim of the fund is to support East Staffordshire economy by providing financial assistance to small and medium sized businesses to expand and grow, as well as to assist entrepreneurs to start up their business.
Applicants interested in applying for the fund will need to submit an application form setting out the business proposal, including project costs, how much grant is required, and how many jobs will be created. Applications are then considered by an independent Investment Panel. Applicants are invited to ‘make their pitch’ before the Investment Panel.
Four companies had the opportunity to “make their pitch” before a ‘Dragons Den’ style investment panel at the Council offices on Friday 13th September and two of those companies were successful in obtaining a grant.
Crescent Motors Ltd, an award winning Garage, is using the investment to relocate to bigger premises within Burton. This investment will lead to the creation of 3 jobs and will safeguard 1 job.
Steve Tallett, Director of Crescent Motors Ltd, said: “Being awarded the ESBC Business Development Fund grant will make a massive difference to our relocation to Wetmore Road. The overall cost of a project like this can be restrictive financially but the funding will enable us to carry out the works needed to bring our new premises to a much higher standard, ensuring our customers the high standards they expect from Crescent Motors.
“The whole process was very straight forward and I would encourage any East Staffordshire business with an eligible project to apply.”
Smith Woodcock Ltd, a local independent solicitor, is using the investment to relocate to a new office premises, promising to create a Business Manager position.
Justine Woodcock, Director of Smith Woodcock Ltd, added: “The investment has enabled the smooth transition from the start up office at Clay house, to our new larger premises at Anson Court, Burton upon Trent. The process was straight forward and the panel very friendly and certainly not as intimidating at Dragon’s Den.”
Councillor Richard Grosvenor, Leader of the Council, said:
“East Staffordshire Borough Council is making a significant investment in the local economy by supporting businesses to allow them to grow and prosper.
“Both of these organisations were able to demonstrate how a grant from ESBC’s Business Development Fund would not only enhance their business but also the local economy.”
For more information regarding the Business Development Fund please contact Dean Piper, Enterprise and Partnerships Manager on 01283 508893 or email bdf@eaststaffsbc.gov.uk web www.eaststaffsbc.gov.uk/bdf.