Pendle News Room

The programme is all about creating economic growth, helping local companies thrive, creating more job opportunities and bringing forward private sector investment.

And at next week’s Policy and Resources Committee meeting (Tuesday 26 June) councillors will be asked to approve even more funding for local businesses until 2019.

Since 2012, when the programme started, 126 companies have received grants to help them start and 64 companies to expand, creating 470 jobs.

That’s almost £612, 292 of investment in the borough which has already resulted in more than £3.3m of private sector investment.

Councillor Paul White, Leader of Pendle Council, said: “We're very proud of the success of the Gearing up for Growth programme.

"The key to Pendle's success is the strength of its local economy and we want to ensure that we're helping to create good jobs for local people. 

"That's why we're making Pendle's economy our number one priority and we're committed to extending the Gearing up for Growth programme.

“Previous grants have been taken up by a wide range of industries across the borough, from aerospace to engineering and tourism.

“And they’ve ranged from new machinery, software and premises improvements and help to start up new engineering, catering and security businesses.

“There’s a wide range if help available to businesses and we want to make sure we spread the word.

“Please contact us if you think we can help!”

It’s proposed that £30,000 will be allocated to the successful Start-up Pendle grant scheme, providing new businesses with advice as well as financial support.

Since 2015 these small grants of up to £2,000 have created 155 new businesses – with 11 starting last year.

And it’s proposed that the Grants for Growth scheme will have an £80,000 boost to support a further eight businesses.

This is on top of the nine businesses, which have already been approved for a £10,000 grant this year, which is expected to generate almost £940,000 of private sector investment, create 49 jobs and safeguard 53.

Over the coming months Gearing up for Growth will also continue to offer:

• Pendle Business Week which gives businesses the opportunity to attend events/workshops letting them know of the support available and training sessions
• Work inspiration event for pupils aged 13-14 to see jobs on offer locally

 For more information about Gearing up for Growth contact the business support team on (01282) 661640 or email business.support@pendle.gov.uk

You can also follow the team on Facebook (Business in Pendle) and Twitter (@BusinessPendle).