Market town scheme secures £250k in investment

3:06pm Thursday 3rd July 2008

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A BUSINESS-BOOSTING scheme to promote the Richmondshire economy has helped secure more than a quarter of a million pounds in private sector funding, as well as creating ten new jobs.

Since January, the Renaissance Market Town Business Grant Scheme has awarded eight grants, totalling £166,555, to small businesses in Richmond and Catterick Garrison.

The eight businesses to have so far benefited from the scheme, which is run by Richmondshire District Council and Yorkshire Forward, include a metalworkers, a food processing firm and a traditional butchers shop.

Droy Metalworkers received £25,000 to relocate to larger premises on Richmond's Gallowfields Trading Estate. The firm has since taken on two new members of staff, and is currently looking to recruit an apprentice.

Lesley Droy, of Droy Metalworkers, said: "Our new premises are much, much larger, and that has enabled us to purchase new machinery.

"Our business has totally changed as a result - it's been a real step up for us, and we've been very busy since the move."

Andy Tordoff, head of rural renaissance and tourism for Yorkshire Forward, said: "The scheme has proved to be a real success story.

"It demonstrates what can be achieved with a relatively small amount of funding by a strong partnership that is in tune with the needs of the local business community."

Coun Fleur Butler, spokesperson for prosperous communities at Richmondshire District Council, added: "We are delighted at how successful the RMT scheme has been - these grants are clearly making a real difference.

"It proves we can work with the private sector to make sure Richmond and Catterick Garrison remain vibrant and sustainable service centres for the whole of Richmondshire."

Some £1,500-£25,000 grants are still available, and any small to medium sized businesses interested in applying should phone 01748-827038 or email sue.kelly@richmondshire.gov.uk A separate grant scheme is also being run, offering grants of up to £5,000 to small and medium-sized businesses in Richmondshire subject to some eligibility criteria. Application forms can be completed online at richmondshire.gov.uk or are available from the council's economic development team on 01748-829100.