UK: GBP 30 Million from Regional Growth Fund Available for Humber’s Small Businesses

Businesses of all shapes and sizes can now bid for a share of £30 million to boost growth, and build on the Humber’s position as the UK’s energy estuary, Business Minister Michael Fallon announced on February 8.

The launch of the Humber local enterprise partnership’s (LEP) scheme came as part of the Minister’s tour of the Yorkshire and Humber region. The tour included a speech at the Sheffield City Region Conference for Growth in Doncaster and a visit to Moulded Fibre Products – a manufacturing company in Scunthorpe which has benefited from Regional Growth Fund investment.

The Humber LEP scheme – which is expected to create up to 3,000 jobs and at least £125 million investment from the private sector – opens after an application by the Humber LEP and North East Lincolnshire Council was approved by the government’s Regional Growth Fund from Round 3.

Speaking at the launch event in Scunthorpe, Business Minister Michael Fallon said:

“Today’s launch is great news for the area and a significant route for small businesses to access vital funding. I have no doubt that the £30 million fund from Humber LEP will select the firms and industries of the future so that the Humber can continue to build its economic presence within the renewable energy industry.

“The Regional Growth Fund is more than just big industry and household names. It is also building the necessary relationships to support SMEs through difficult times so that they are able to grow and invest in skills at a sustainable pace. I would encourage local businesses to find out more and apply.”

The first strand of the programme is £10 million to support growth of the offshore wind and renewable energy supply chain on the South Bank of the Humber. In particular it will support the development of key infrastructure, new investment, skills and research within Grimsby and the wider Humber region in offshore wind turbine assembly and manufacturing.

The second strand of the programme is £20 million available for businesses to exploit expansion opportunities across the Humber area. The Humber LEP will work with local partners to give businesses support to invest, hire and grow by making grants available for skills, research and development, new machinery and improvements to manufacturing.

Lord Haskins, Chair of the Humber LEP said:

“This is a huge boost to businesses in the Humber and I urge people to come and talk to us to make a quick assessment as to whether this is the right fund for them to help unlock their growth plans. We can help businesses present their projects in a way that will maximise their chances of gaining funding and ultimately lead to creating jobs here.

“The LEP’s securing of this significant Regional Growth Fund grant is a reminder of what can be achieved when businesses and local authorities come together across the Humber.”

Following the launch of the Humber LEP programme, the Minister went on to visit Moulded Fibre Products – a recycled pulp products and garden furniture manufacturer – which will receive just over £590,000 from North Lincolnshire’s Regional Growth Fund programme.

The funding will create up to 40 jobs and help the company purchase new pulp machinery to maintain their green packaging solution for European markets, made entirely from waste paper which is biodegradable, recyclable and compostable.

The finished products comprise of high density mouldings primarily for the horticultural sector; other products include egg trays, fresh produce packaging, sharps bins and protective chemical bottle packs.

Business Minister Michael Fallon said:

“To date we have supported more than a thousand SMEs through Regional Growth Fund programmes and Moulded Fibre Products are a great example of this. The funding has given them the impetus to invest for the future and maintain their important export market.

“The £10 million North Lincolnshire programme is helping similar SMEs in the area – creating jobs and providing a multiplier effect for the local economy. This is the government’s commitment to growth in action, in partnership with the private sector, to encourage investment and lead to a more balanced economy.”

Cllr Liz Redfern, Leader of North Lincolnshire Council said:

“This is fantastic news for business in the Humber. We’re genuinely delighted to be amongst the first in the country to be getting our Regional Growth Fund money through the doors and out to local businesses. In turn that’s helping them to create the conditions necessary for growth and jobs.

“We are leading the way in getting the money to where it will create the most employment, prosperity and sustainable local economy.”

Managing Director of Moulded Fibre Products (MFP), James Gallacher said:

“The RGF funding has enabled our company to accelerate our expansion plans, investing in ground breaking pulp moulding technology that will give MFP a major advantage in the European marketplace and creating jobs at the same time.” 

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Press release, February 11, 2013; Image: ABB