Published: Tuesday, 28th November 2017
S4J Ltd, constructors of precast concrete buildings in Armitage have recently been awarded a Business Development Programme grant of £20,000, the second grant in 12 months.
The Business Development Grant is part of the Business Growth Programme (BGP), managed by Birmingham City Council.
The grant has enabled them to purchase to MEWP’s (Mobile elevating work platforms) which will help to make their work more efficient and mean they will no longer need to plan work around hired equipment. It has also made it possible for them to employ a further two members of staff.
S4J Ltd were also awarded a grant of £5000 as part of the Let’s Grow Programme only 12 months ago. This grant was used to expand their training arm and purchase a new vehicle to transport students to Sites where they are able to get hands on experience. They also employed a new Training Manager who has increased the amount of training courses available and has brought with them a vast amount of knowledge and contacts to help S4J Ltd grow and prosper.
Councillor Gordon Alcott, Economic Development and Planning Portfolio Leader said “This is an excellent example of what these programmes can do for local businesses. S4J is going from strength to strength. I would urge all small to medium sized businesses in the Cannock Chase area to call the team at Cannock Chase Council and find out if these is a grant which could help their business to grow.”
Paul Newton Financial Director at S4J said “We are delighted to have been successful in applying for funding for the second time. The application process was quick and easy and as a result our business is growing.”
The Let’s Grow Programme awards capital/revenue grants of up to £5,000 (50% match funded) to existing businesses who are looking to expand and grow and create or safeguard at least one full time job in the Cannock Chase District.
The Business Growth Programme (BGP) programme offers a comprehensive package of business support to B2B Small to Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) based in the Greater Birmingham & Solihull, Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, and The Marches Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) areas.
There are four aspects of the BGP programme; Business Development Programme, Business Innovation Programme, Green Bridge Supply Chain and HS2 Supply Chain. Each grant specialises in its own area of growth and they offer between £10,000-£167,000 to businesses who are looking to expand and create new employment roles.
If your business is looking to expand and take on new staff, why not get in touch with the Economic Development team on 01543 464272 or email econdev@cannockchasedc.gov.uk to see what support is available to you.
Photograph: L-R Neil Wilkinson of Urban Access with Managing Director Anthony Carden, receiving the new equipment
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The Business Growth Programme is receiving up to £16.3m of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Department for Communities and Local Government is the Managing Authority for ERDF. Established by the European Union ERDF funds help local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations. For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/european-structural-investment-funds
