Unique business grant scheme celebrated

Added by Love Business East Midlands | 16 November 2016

Businesses from every corner of North West Leicestershire came together on Thursday 27 October to celebrate a unique grant scheme – Enterprising North West Leicestershire – which has injected more than £400,000 into the local economy.

The celebration event, organised by North West Leicestershire District Council and hosted by Best Western Premier Yew Lodge Hotel as part of the Leicester Business Festival 2016, saw 20 recipients of the grant get together, share their stories and successes and have a chance to network with other likeminded businesspeople.

Enterprising North West Leicestershire awarded grants ranging from £5,000 to £25,000 to 24 small and medium sized businesses across the district totalling £402,162 and subsequently attracting £2,854,724 in private sector investment and creating 66 new jobs. The celebration evening got underway with a welcoming word from Christine Fisher, the council’s chief executive, shortly followed by the Portfolio Holder for Business Councillor Tony Gillard who talked about the grant scheme itself and why it was such an overwhelming success.

The evening was then handed over to the recipients themselves as they took to the stage and talked about their experience with the grant, the council and how the money has helped them. Sapphire Products, Green Science and The Castle Inn were all represented and spoke of their journey.

Gordon Imrie from Sapphire Products, said:

“The council’s Business Focus Team were always enthusiastic and very helpful right from the start. The application process was very straightforward and easy to understand and working with the council made the whole thing even easier.”

Councillor Tony Gillard, Portfolio Holder for Business at North West Leicestershire District Council, said:

“This grant was one of a kind; no other council that we know of has done this. I have been travelling the district over the past few weeks visiting the businesses and seeing how our money has helped them. The changes I’ve seen have been incredible and it is clear to see this money has helped them to grow, develop, expand and create new jobs.

“Enterprising North West Leicestershire was brought about to lend a helping hand to businesses from all over the district in taking that next step in making their business go from good to great and from what I’ve seen and heard, it has done just that.”

Due to the success of Enterprising North West Leicestershire the council has pledged £250,000 to helping town centre businesses across the district to regenerate, grow and create new jobs through its new Enterprising Town Centres grant scheme. The grant scheme will see businesses in town centres around the district apply for funding from £500 - £25,000 for new equipment, help them set up or enable them to take on more staff.

For more information on either grant and general business advice and support visit www.nwleics.gov.uk/business_support_and_advice

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