Cash boost to create businesses and jobs
Sep 9 2009 by Iain Laing, The Journal
A PLAN to create businesses and jobs in Northumberland’s northernmost town has won a £270,000 cash boost which will enable it to help more new firms to grow.
Berwick Workspace, a partnership run by Northumberland County Council, is running a £269,000 project to assist 37 small businesses and create 35 new jobs in the coastal town.
The new injection of £134,500 from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 2007-13 will allow the scheme to provide more comprehensive incubation services for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) using Berwick Workspace facilities.
This is being matched by funding from both One North East and the county council to help pay for staff who can give specialist advice and mentoring.
A key aim of this phase of the project is to stimulate the growth of knowledge-based companies. The additional funding will also help with the marketing of the centre, encourage inter-trading and mutual support between SMEs, and increase participation in services and training programmes.
“We are aiming to support the growth of small businesses by providing tailored, one-to-one support,” explained Coun Jim Smith, executive member for regeneration, housing and planning.
“Tedco will provide information and advice on every aspect of running a business.
“Our aim is to encourage a more enterprising culture in the Berwick area and encourage more business start-ups, particularly in knowledge based jobs.”
The ERDF Competitiveness Programme 2007-13 managed by One North East is bringing over £250m into North East England. Its emphasis on enterprise and business support is encouraging SMEs to develop, grow and innovate, in line with Solutions for Business, the Government’s package of publicly funded business support products and services.
The incubator project is developing effective links to external business services in the public and private sector for tenant companies that have the ability and ambition to grow. Tedco will also deliver support for the acquisition of new processes and technologies to increase productivity and encourage efficient use of energy and low carbon solutions.
ONE head of business, enterprise and skills Tim Pain said: “Berwick Workspace already represents a significant investment in office accommodation in the town and needs to be fully exploited.
“The ERDF element of the package is crucial to maximise business support through the incubator and tackle the lower level of enterprise and business start up that is currently a challenge for Berwick communities.”
For further information about the Berwick incubator project, call Andrew Martin, centre manager on 0845 602 2466, email berwick@tedco.org or visit www.berwickworkspace.co.uk
For information on the wider range of support available to businesses, please contact Business Link on 0845 600 9006 or visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/northeast
