The West Cumbrian companies will create and safeguard 26 jobs and plough more than £1m into expansion thanks to awards made through the Britain’s Energy Coast (BEC) ‘Investing in Business’ programme.
Britain’s Energy Coastis funded by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, Sellafield Ltd and Nuclear Management Partners.
The Investing in Business programme utilises £5.6m of funding from the Government’s Regional Growth Fund (RGF) and a further £1m from the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.
It targets businesses involved in manufacturing, processing, engineering or fabrication activities, as well as tourism attractions, looking to create jobs by investing in fixed assets such as buildings, plant and equipment or for research and development.
Tweddle Engineering is using the funding to expand their workshop facilities near Wigton, Jacksons Timber to open new premises at Calder Bridge, whilst McGrady Engineering will invest in new plant and equipment to expand its site in Whitehaven.
Iain Hook, RGF Programme Manager at
Britain’s Energy Coast, said:
“This latest round of funding is helping more local high calibre businesses to expand and create jobs, and in the process unlock over £1m of private sector investment.
“It is clear the Investing in Business programme is forming an important part of BEC’s comprehensive business support service which is designed to help West Cumbrian businesses to grow and prosper.”
The grants have been welcomed by local politicians.
Councillor Hugh Branney, portfolio holder for community regeneration on Copeland Borough Council, said
“We are delighted that two Copeland firms have been successful in gaining this funding.
"This means they can invest in their businesses and take on more work, which is good for them and the local economy. We would encourage more businesses to look into the benefits of applying for this kind of financial help.”
Businesses of any size, including start-ups, currently operating in Allerdale or Copeland and looking to invest in the area are eligible to apply for grants through the Investing in Business programme.