A PROGRAMME which will enable capital investment and business growth in chemical sector companies across Warrington and Cheshire has been launched.
The Catalyst for Growth programme was launched at the Daresbury Science Park, near Warrington with the backing of an £8 million award from the Government’s Regional Growth Fund (RGF).
Leading the project is the University of Chester and the aim is to help companies in the chemical sector and related industries to expand their research, development and production operations, and create new jobs which could stimulate private sector growth.
Eligible private sector companies can apply for grant funding from £5,000 up to £500,000.
Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Tim Wheeler welcomed delegates from businesses, Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs), UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) and other intermediaries to the launch.
Both technical and specialist support will be on offer to develop ideas for grant applications which may include tapping into potential new customers and production lines, increasing capital investment in the industry, conducting more industrial research and development activity and increasing employment and turnover.
Led by the university in conjunction with C-Tech Innovation Ltd and The North West Universities European Unit Ltd, the scheme will operate across the five Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs), covering Cheshire and Warrington, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and the Liverpool City Region.
Jan Morris, Catalyst for Growth programme manager at the university said: “This is a great opportunity for companies in the chemical sector and related industries to access funding to support capital investment and business growth. There has already been considerable interest in the scheme and I would encourage companies to make early contact with the programme team if they are interested in finding out how the scheme could benefit them.”
Details of the programme including further information on events, calls for applications and the overall application process is available on the project website: www.catalystforgrowth.co.uk
For enquiries about any aspect of the Programme contact: Jan Morris, scheme manager on [email protected] or 07879 662226.
Picture: Business and university leaders at the programme launch.
Boost for chemical industry
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
