Businesses can get backing to create jobs in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire

Businesses across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire planning high quality projects which will create jobs and lever private investment should consider bidding in the latest round of the Regional Growth Fund, the area’s LEP chairman has said.

David Frost backed the deputy prime minister’s call for businesses to make use of the fund on the day of the round six launch at the national Manufacturing Summit.

Stoke-on-Trent engineering group Goodwin PLC has already been supported by the RGF. It is using its £2 million RGF grant to help the company expand, with 147 jobs due to be created by 2020. The company is building a new facility and 75 of the 125 apprentices scheduled to be trained during the project have already been employed.

Other recent RGF successes include Burntwood-based automotive parts company Maier UK, which could create up to 60 jobs after its bid for a research and development project to develop and produce high-quality exterior plastic components was successful; and Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce to enhance its Jobs and Growth Fund programme.

David said: “The RGF is already making an impact in our area – boosting our economy and creating jobs. The bidding process is tough as it’s a competitive fund, but we have demonstrated that we have the quality projects here in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire that can stand out and make a difference. The fund is helping to create jobs, which is what the LEP is all about. I’d urge businesses to find out more about the fund and of course we are here to support them through the bidding process.”

Round six will be open to private sector bidders seeking £1 million or more. The Government is calling on companies to plan high quality projects that will generate significant private sector investment and sustainable jobs. Businesses will be able to submit their bids until noon on 30 September 2014.

To help bidders on their applications, road shows and expression of interest days will be held throughout the country from today to provide advice on how to make a successful bid. On July 29 an event will be held at the University of Coventry.