10/09/2013 - Permalink

New support for local businesses gets the green light

Related topics: Partner organisations

Shropshire Council has secured funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to help small to medium-sized businesses (SMEs) across Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Staffordshire.

The funding is to support businesses to develop and grow their business with a three-tiered programme of expert assistance.  The programme will offer free business briefings for eligible businesses tailored to meet their needs.

Businesses can also access the use of specialist consultants, free of charge, to help them with specific challenges for their business.  Grants of between £2,000 and £10,000 will also be available to help put the consultants’ advice into action.

The support available is provided through £361,215 funding secured from the European Regional Development Fund, which is managed by the Department for Communities and Local Government and match funded by a range of partners.

Shropshire Council will manage the project in partnership with Herefordshire Council, Worcestershire County Council, Staffordshire County Council, the University of Wolverhampton, Staffordshire University, University of Worcester, Central Technology Belt and Stafford Business & Environment Network.

Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for business growth, said:

“This award from the ERDF is fantastic news for the small businesses in these areas, including Shropshire.  There are various schemes around to support businesses, but this aims to plug a gap by providing assistance to businesses whose access to other initiatives is limited, and help them grow.”

Norman Price, Deputy Chair of the West Midlands ERDF Local Management Committee, said:

“Through the ERDF programme we are always looking for ways to support activity that will ultimately help local businesses to grow, perform well and become more competitive and satisfy changing customer needs. This project does just that. The rural communities in particular have a strong record of flexibility and enterprise, which this project emphasises. Through a variety of workshops, briefings and grants, around 100 local businesses will be encouraged to innovate, find new markets and explore new techniques, technologies and products to take their businesses forward.”