This month Wrexham Council has awarded financial support to 26 projects thanks to the council’s SME Manufacturing Grants scheme, backed by the Flintshire and Wrexham Investment Zone.
The recently launched scheme allows manufacturing businesses in Wrexham to apply for grants from £5,000 up to £100,000 to help buy new equipment, undertake decarbonisation or property adaptations, and gain accreditation or certification in their field of work.
The scheme is part of the Flintshire and Wrexham Investment Zone programme, which is supported by both the UK and Welsh governments and co-ordinated by Ambition North Wales.
There were 51 expressions of interest, and 35 grant applications during this first round.
Applications went through a robust scoring process, and 26 projects were approved for funding to a total value of £1,286,302.
Highly competitive
Councillor Mark Pritchard, leader of Wrexham Council and Chair of Ambition North Wales said: “This is an exciting milestone for Wrexham and I’m delighted to see our first round of grants being allocated.
“Initiatives like this grant scheme will play a vital role in driving economic growth in Wrexham over the next few years – helping to create high-quality jobs and strengthening the region’s position as a powerhouse for advanced industry in Wales.
“It’s an exciting time and I’d like to reiterate my thanks to both the UK and Welsh governments for backing the Investment Zone.”
This was a highly competitive first round of funding, where businesses had to clearly demonstrate how their project would contribute to the three core Investment Zone objectives:
- To create 6,000 new jobs for Flintshire and Wrexham.
- To secure £1 billion in private sector investment.
- To develop over 5.5 million square feet of commercial floor space.
Businesses were also required to contribute 30% funding towards the cost of their project.
Councillor Nigel Williams, lead member for economy, business and tourism, said: “As a council we want to help local businesses grow and be successful, because that success creates employment and career opportunities for local people, it builds confidence among investors, and it helps put Wrexham on the map.
“The Investment Zone has provided us with a fantastic opportunity to super-charge the manufacturing sector in Wrexham over the next decade, and this grant scheme is only the start. It’s an exciting time for the region.”
Next round of funding
Projects not awarded a grant during the first round will be able to apply again later this autumn, along with other businesses.
If you run an SME in Wrexham within the manufacturing / advanced manufacturing sector and are looking for grant funding to enable growth, why not find out more?
Take a look at the Wrexham Council website or contact the council’s Investment Zone team.
