Pendle businesses continue to grow – creating and safeguarding local jobs!

The Project helps secure vital cash to support qualifying businesses within Pennine Lancashire

And through this Project, since 2007 Pendle Council has helped local companies to grow by providing 44 business grants.

Companies have used the funding to buy equipment or expand their property.

The latest grant was awarded to Bronte Carpets Ltd - a long established family owned and run company in Colne.

Based in Bankfield Mill in Greenfield Road , the carpet manufacturer and retailer received £11,000 towards two tenth gauge tufting machines.

Elaine Linford, Company Secretary, explained that these machines mean they can enhance their product range and revamp their existing colour ranges.

She added: "We're thrilled that Pendle Council is supporting us.

"It's really important that we keep improving the way we do things, especially in this climate."

On top of the grant, the company has also invested heavily in the machines which will safeguard 1.5 jobs and hopefully create more.

Since 2007, Finance for Growth has invested a total of £537, 287 in Pendle companies and attracted £1.1m of private sector investment.

This has created 120 new jobs in the borough with 35 more in the pipeline. And the total number of jobs safeguarded to date is 82.

The number of companies which have been given specialised business assistance by a Pendle Business Advisor is 280.

Lynne Hargreaves-Walker, Finance for Growth Project Co-ordinator, is delighted with the number of enquiries the team has received for the fourth year of the Project.

She said: "It shows that many of our local businesses are thinking about expanding and creating new jobs and opportunities for local people."

The No Limits Finance For Growth Project is now being run under the name Regenerate Pennine Lancashire Ltd but it will be run from Pendle Council in exactly the same way as before.

Lynne added: "Regenerate will continue the No Limits programme, a business and enterprise development campaign for Pennine Lancashire.

"This is done through a partnership of business support agencies who help and support new and existing businesses.

"So whether it's capital investment for machinery, building improvements, e-commerce or IT - we may be able to help!

"Grant support is available to existing businesses only. You can claim up to a maximum of £40,000 or 50% of eligible costs, whichever is the lower."

Councillor Allan Buck said: "Once again we're delighted to announce our support to a local company which is investing in its future.

"Finance for Growth is just one of the schemes we're running to help businesses grow and create new jobs - there's plenty more help and advice if you need it.

"Why not have a look at our website -www.pendle.gov.uk/recessionhelp"

If you're interested in finding out more about the No Limits Finance for Growth grants, call (01282) 661779 or e-mail finance4growth@pendle.gov.uk