Calderdale companies should soon be able to access greater financial support after the European Commission approved the Assisted Areas map for 2014-20.
The Leeds City Region has benefited from a 90% increase on existing coverage, which will now include Brighouse, Elland and central Halifax.
Calderdale Council’s Leader, Cllr Tim Swift, said:
“In Calderdale we have a strong manufacturing sector, and the concentration of businesses in this sector is up to three times higher than the national average. We are doing everything we can to make sure they remain productive and create jobs, so we’re very pleased with this extra boost.”
Cabinet Member for Economy and Environment, Cllr Barry Collins, added:
“This is great news for Calderdale and something that we have lobbied hard to achieve. Assisted Area status will allow our businesses to access more funding, which in turn will stimulate growth and create much needed jobs. Strengthening the economic prosperity of three of our key towns, Halifax, Brighouse and Elland, will bring wider benefits across Calderdale, helping us to attract further investment and developing new opportunities for our workforce.”
Roger Marsh, Chair of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership said:
“The LEP has been calling for these measures to be implemented and we are delighted that the government and the European Commission have acknowledged the huge potential this region has to offer businesses.
“This 90% increase in coverage reflects the scale of opportunity on offer within the City Region and supports the LEP’s drive to create an environment for growth where businesses can flourish.
“This enables the LEP to further engage with local businesses and support them to realise their growth potential whilst increasing our offer to a national and international investment audience.”
Large companies within the Assisted Area will become eligible to access government financial support, such as the Regional Growth Fund, with a relaxation of Regional Aid rules. Businesses will be supported through the process by Calderdale Council’s key account manager and the LEP team.
Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) based in Assisted Areas will be able to apply for public support to cover an increased proportion of their project costs than they would receive if they were located outside the area.
The additional support is available for businesses already located in Brighouse, Elland and central Halifax, and for those looking to expand or relocate there.
If your business is based in Brighouse, Elland or central Halifax, or you are considering relocating there, contact Jon Crowther, Key Account Manager at Calderdale Council on 01422 392810 or email jon.crowther@calderdale.gov.uk to find out how your business could benefit.