Funding Archives - Page 13 of 18 - North East Local Enterprise Partnership

Kibblesworth Village Millennium Centre, based in the heart of Kibblesworth in Gateshead, has secured £42,400 to expand its well established Community Centre facilities to create a new enterprise hub for rural businesses.

The Project will see the:-

creation of three iconic enterprise pods at the rear of the building;
conversion of existing internal space to rent out as one or two offices
development of an enterprise lounge and meeting space within the existing Centre.

The enterprise pods will be located in the grounds of the centre creating self-contained working environments. Each pod will accommodate one business.

Existing internal space will also be adapted to create a flexible meeting space and office accommodation with dedicated toilet facilities. The existing communal lounge is being transformed into an area where businesses could meet with clients, facilitate events and host networking events. The new enterprise hub is due to open with its launch on the 18^th March 2016.

Whilst it is early days, there is a growing demand for business space in this area and the scheme will offer the opportunity for existing businesses to expand or new businesses to locate at the site. The project is set to provide 6 jobs and create opportunities for local businesses to network, start or grow.

Norma Bolton, Vice-Chair of Kibblesworth Village Millennium Centre said: “We are delighted and very grateful to the North East Rural Growth Network for the opportunity to provide much-needed space for local businesses. Kibblesworth Village Millennium Centre is at the heart of the community, providing a venue for many local groups, events and activities, so the addition of office and meeting space will bring new opportunities and create new jobs for local residents.”

If you are interested in renting business space and would like more information:- contact Kibblesworth Village Millennium Centre on 0191 411 1193 or email kvmcoffice@yahoo.co.uk

Wednesday 30 March, 7-8pm

More than £58 million has already been invested in the regional economy via the North East Investment Fund, which exists to support projects that will result in new jobs and economic growth.

The fund is welcoming new applications from projects in the region and on Wednesday 30 March the North East LEP will be hosting a live Twitter chat with Jeremy Middleton, Chair of the LEP’s Investment Panel, and members of the North East business community.

Join in to find out more about how you can apply for funding, the types of schemes that the fund can support and what the benefits are.

Follow the conversation using the #betterjobs hashtag and pose your questions to the panel:

North East LEP – @northeastlep
Jeremy Middleton, Chair of the North East LEP Investment Panel

Members of the North East business community taking part include JK Property Consultants (@jk_property ) and Hellens Group (@HellensGroup).

North East LEP Chief Economist Chris Milne gives his reaction to The Budget delivered today by Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne.

“We welcome in particular the Chancellor’s announcement of £15m for a national institute for smart data innovation to be based in Newcastle working with partners across the region and nationally,” said Chris.

“The North East has a strong profile as one of the UK’s leading digital economic hubs. This new national institute will provide a focus for business to unleash the huge innovation potential in digital data which will deliver improvements to business and public services.

“This is a huge opportunity for the region to provide leadership and skills, ideas and resources in a global market worth $125bn annually.

“Investment in transport infrastructure – the A66 and A69 in particular – is also crucial for the growth of the North East economy and we will benefit from the £75m pot which the Government has allocated to develop the business cases for a number of transport projects.

“Regional connectivity remains an important issue for the North East and we will also benefit from broader connectivity projects to the M62.

“We welcome a range of other announcements that will have a positive impact for businesses, entrepreneurs and the income of households.”

Chris also commented on today’s Labour Market Statistics.

“It is encouraging to see continued improvement in the North East labour market following last month’s figures,” he said.

“They show that over the last quarter, the North East has seen the UK’s highest increase in people in work, the largest fall in unemployment and the biggest reduction in economically inactive people.

“The employment rate now stands at a record 70.6%, the highest rate going back to 1992.”

A quayside office development in Northumberland is nearing its first anniversary after it reached completion in March 2015, transforming a vacant plot into first-class contemporary managed offices, at the centre of the North East’s world-leading base for energy and research.

Blyth Workspace, which was supported by a loan from the North East Investment Fund, is now home to a range of North East companies which have moved into the 21,000 square feet of new office space.

Jeremy Middleton, Chair of the North East Local Economic Partnership (LEP) Investment Panel, said: “A £2.6m loan from the North East Investment Fund helped the development of Blyth Workspace get off the ground in 2013. Now the development is not only complete but is nearing its first anniversary as a centre for growing businesses in Northumberland.”

Companies based at Blyth Workspace benefit from the development’s proximity to the Port of Blyth and Narec, the National Renewable Energy Centre.

Cllr Dave Ledger, Arch Chair and Deputy Leader of Northumberland County Council said: “Working with the North East LEP and gaining support from the Investment Fund was pivotal in the success of Blyth Workspace. A year on from completion we’re in a fantastic position, seeing the various businesses located here flourishing and growing.”

Blyth Workspace was developed by Arch, the Northumberland development company. The facilities at the site include super-fast broadband, rapid electric car charging points and five years’ free business rates, as the site is located within the North East’s Enterprise Zone.

Jeremy Middleton added: “The development of Blyth Workspace has rejuvenated the site, which was previously vacant. It now provides a high quality base for business and has immense potential to enhance the area’s reputation as a centre of excellence for energy and research.”

More details on the North East Investment Fund and how to apply can be found here.

The North East Local Enterprise Partnership (North East LEP) is inviting new strategic capital infrastructure projects that can help deliver the ambition set out in our Strategic Economic Plan.

Projects that are well developed and are able to demonstrate the potential to commence in 2016/17 or promptly in 2017/18 are particularly encouraged to come forward at this time. Indicatively we expect to allocate between £14m and £30m through this call.

There are no strict upper or lower thresholds to project size or amount of support requested, but investments should be of a scale that can make a significant economic impact.

Prospective applicants, who can be from public, private or voluntary sector, are encourage in the first instance to read the Project Call Information. Additional information is also available on our Growth Deals funding page.

A science technician is giving children a birthday to remember by delivering science parties to inspire the next generation.

After visiting the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) Neil Harrison launched Big Bang Science Parties in January, giving children the opportunity to perform some hands on science and get involved in some interesting experiments.

Neil was inspired to start his business after witnessing the excitement and enthusiasm children show towards science in schools when it is presented to them in a fun and innovative way, he explains: “Running my own business as well as working in a school allows me to fulfil my passion for science. I always explain to the children how the experiment works so they are learning as well as having fun. It’s like magic without the lies.

“There are party packages to suit any age and budget which parents choose up front so there are no hidden costs. Activities include making lemonade, sherbet or even their very own lava lamp. I get the parents involved too and I have to say they enjoy it just as much as the children”.

Neil visited the BIC’s Start Up team prior to starting his business and also applied for a business loan with the help of his adviser, he continues:

“In preparation of launching my business I visited the BIC for advice with my business plan and financial support. I had already carried out my research and I could not find any other science themed parties north of Manchester.

“I received advice with my cash flow and was also helped through the HMRC process. With their guidance and support I applied for a loan which I used to purchase essential equipment. I would recommend anyone starting a business to seek advice from the BIC.”

Shirley Hermiston, business support manager at the BIC, added: “When Neil came to the BIC I was overwhelmed by his passion and enthusiasm for teaching science to children in this way. As well as working full time in a school, Neil’s desire to inspire children continues with this new venture.

“Here at the BIC we see hundreds of people wanting to start a variety of businesses and Neil’s is no exception to this creative mix!

“If you find yourself wondering if self-employment is for you then I urge you to get in touch with the BIC. We offer a wide range of products and services to anyone wishing to start their own business.”

To book an appointment with a business adviser call 0191 516 6149

For more information about Big Bang Science Parties visit www.bigbangscienceparties.com

The competitive capital funding call for the Strategic Economic Infrastructure fund (SEIF) is now open again until 25 March.

The Call plans to commit and spend £1.46m on projects that can substantially spend and deliver outputs in 2016/17 and fully complete by March 2018. Projects may claim for project costs after approval from 2016 to the end of March 2018.

The fund is designed to stimulate investment in the development of business infrastructure in rural areas, including premises for new micro enterprises, small firms needing move-on accommodation, and facilities for larger and growing businesses. It will also support investment in strategic tourism assets, transforming the quality and added value of the rural tourism economy, as well as supporting infrastructure works needed to unlock employment development sites.

There are no firm minimum and maximum grant thresholds. However, indicatively projects requiring less than £40,000 grant will have to clearly demonstrate strategic impact in their community and why other rural funding, including new rural Leader programmes may be unavailable to support such projects. Any project seeking over circa £500,000 would need to be clearly of regional importance to the rural economy and able to offer a range of economic benefits beyond a local level.

Applicants must provide a minimum of 60% match funding and will need to comply with State Aid rules. If work has already started on a project it is ineligible for SEIF support.

The Rural Growth Network invites project applications that are a strong fit with the guidance, can progress quickly if selected, are able to commence and make significant progress on site in 2016/17 and are physically located within the North East RGN operational boundary.

Please see the Project Call Guidance document to check the eligibility of projects. If you consider your project to be eligible and would like an application form to apply or you require further clarification please contact:
Julie Bullen, RGN Implementation Officer: Julie.Bullen@Arch-Group.co.uk Tel: 01670 528476

The deadline for submission of Stage 1 applications is 12.00 noon 25th March.

Further information on the RGN programme can be found by following the link below:-
http://www.archnorthumberland.co.uk/arch-business/rural-growth-network-2-1

Additional rural grant funding opportunities:-

Rural Business Growth Fund (RBGF)
Due to high demand the Rural Business Growth Fund is now closed to further applications for 2016/2017.

Funding is expected to be available from April 2017 onwards and a further call for projects will be made in late autumn 2016 for this funding.

Other Rural Funding Opportunities

LEADER
LEADER funding is available for rural businesses across Northumberland, Gateshead and County Durham. The LEADER programme aims to fund farmers, foresters and other local rural businesses and communities to help develop enterprises within rural areas, create jobs and support the rural economy.

Successful applications must contribute to one of the following LEADER priorities:
· Farm productivity
· Forestry
· Micro/ small business and farm diversification
· Rural tourism
· Rural services
· Culture and Heritage

For more information visit:-

· Northumberland Uplands – www.nuleader.eu
· Northumberland Coast and Lowlands – www.leadercoastandlowlands.org.uk

EAFRD – Tourism and Business Support Grant Programmes
Grant programmes are currently delayed and further information will not be forthcoming until the spring.

The final tenants have moved into their new premises at West Chirton North Industrial Estate in North Tyneside, meaning that the site, which was supported with a £460,000 loan from the North East Investment Fund, is now fully occupied.

The completion of Larch Court, West Chirton has resulted in the creation and safeguarding of jobs while the site itself has provided space for a range of growing companies including three new start-ups. The project also supported more than 100 construction jobs during its building phase and now supports multiple jobs in the companies located on the estate.

Gavin Cordwell-Smith is Chief Executive of the site developer, the Hellens Group.

“Larch Court was the first speculative industrial development in North Tyneside since the credit crunch. The development had been stalled for a number of years and even though Hellens have a proven track record for delivering employment space we had been unable to progress our plans due to a lack of finance available to SME businesses in the current economic climate,” said Gavin.

“Whilst we obtained a grant from the European Regional Development Fund, the development was only able to proceed due to the loan we received from the North East LEP. We are delighted to have fully let the units within 18 months of completion and to have helped create and support jobs for a number of SME businesses in the process. The lettings have enabled us to pay back the loan to the North East LEP who we understand will be able to recycle the funds in order to benefit another project.”

Work began on the business park in November 2013 and the 17 units, which provide 34,000 square feet of business accommodation close to the A19 and just North of the Tyne Tunnel, were completed in July 2014.

Businesses which have taken up residence at West Chirton include a printing company, an engineering firm and a construction company.

The West Chirton development was supported by the North East Investment Fund – a capital loan fund which is available to support projects in the North East which will encourage local economic growth and create new jobs in the region. The fund is managed by the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

Jeremy Middleton, Chair of the North East LEP Investment Panel, said: “This project, now completed, is supporting a number of growing business here in the North East and is a fantastic example of a successful venture which benefits the region’s economy.

“The North East Investment Fund exists to help kick-start projects like this which need support at the outset but have great potential to create and safeguard jobs or strengthen the region’s transport, infrastructure and connectivity.”

More details on the North East Investment Fund and how to apply.

More than £58 million has been invested into the regional economy by a fund set up to support projects which result in new jobs and economic growth.

The North East Investment Fund, which is administered by the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), has granted funds to more than 20 schemes, using Regional Growth Fund and Growing Places Fund monies, in the region in the past three years including the development of Stephenson Quarter in Newcastle city centre – the largest regeneration project to take place in Newcastle for more than 10 years.

Jeremy Middleton, Chair of the North East LEP’s Investment Panel, explains: “The North East Investment Fund exists to provide finance to projects which will result in a real boost to the region’s economy, whether that is via the creation of new jobs or through benefits to transport, connectivity and infrastructure. It is a loan finance scheme designed to support projects which meet the minimum threshold size and which can repay the loan, making it available to re-invest.

“As well as supporting 22 separate projects, the fund is already well on the way to achieving its goal of creating at least 2,300 new jobs in Tyne and Wear, Northumberland and County Durham.”

One of the first developments to be allocated funding was the Stephenson Quarter development in Newcastle which will result in the creation of 2,000 jobs and a £100 million yearly contribution to the region’s economy once the project is completed.

Phase one of the Stephenson Quarter development, which was supported by a £1.7 million loan from the North East Investment Fund, included the completion of the 251 room Crowne Plaza Newcastle hotel, the adjacent multi-storey car park and The Rocket – a 35,000 square foot office building.

Support from the City Council and the North East LEP enabled Clouston Group, the developer of the site, to agree funding deals with RBS, Aviva and Galliford Try Construction.

Jeremy Middleton, Chair of the North East LEP’s Investment Panel, said: “The Investment Fund is designed to support projects that will ultimately create jobs and improve the economy of the North East. Stephenson Quarter is an outstanding example of this – the Crowne Plaza Newcastle alone has already led to nearly 200 new jobs and the newly completed Rocket building is now receiving enquiries from North East businesses keen to take up residence in its office space.”

The Stephenson Quarter site is a 10 acre mixed use site and will include the refurbishment of the historic Boiler Shop venue, which forms part of the site of the former Robert Stephenson & Co Locomotive Works. The finished site will also include further commercial space, residential blocks as well as space available for retail and restaurant use.

Alan Schofield, financial director at Clouston Group, explained: “Funding support from the North East LEP helped create the private sector confidence required to unlock critical investment and drive forward the transformation of this important site.

“This project had stalled during the recession but the combination of funding via the City Deal along with the LEP’s support ensured we were able to get on site in 2013 and deliver phase 1 as promised late last year.”

The next phase of development includes the refurbishment of the Boiler Shop to create a characterful event space, scheduled to be finished in July 2016. The Clouston Group’s successful relationship with the North East LEP is continuing with additional funding from the Regional Growth Fund towards the Boiler Shop refurbishment. Clouston Group hopes to continue to work with the North East LEP to unlock further development and create further jobs, within the Stephenson Quarter.

Jeremy Middleton added: “Being a locally-based funder, the North East LEP can easily see the potential of a project like the Stephenson Quarter, which is revitalising this area of the city centre. We’re looking forward to watching the project progress to completion.”

More details on the North East Investment Fund and how to apply.

Category: Funding

LGF update: Kibblesworth Village Millenium Centre, Gateshead

The Project will see the:-

North East Investment Fund live Twitter chat

North East LEP Budget reaction (2016)

Blyth Workspace development nears first anniversary

Funding available for well-developed strategic projects

Party business explodes into market

Strategic Economic Infrastructure Fund (SEIF) – Capital Project Call

Final tenants move into North Tyneside Business Park

Fund invests £58 million in North East economy