Since its launch in 2017, local funding scheme Grants4Growth has helped small-to-medium sized businesses across Lincolnshire to grow. Now, they’re celebrating their 200th grant claim - an automated baler machine for Spalding-based recycling business Harkenn.
The ERDF-funded programme provides grants of between £1,000 and £25,000 to help SMEs purchase capital equipment and machinery. Managed by South Holland District Council and open to businesses across the county, Grants4Growth has helped a number of SMEs to increase productivity, boost their profits, reduce costs and grow their team.
After a fellow business recommended the programme, owner of Harkenn Jason Harman got in touch with the Grants4Growth team. He was provided with a grant of £24,999 towards a second automated baler machine, which is used to press together waste materials and has doubled the business’s capacity.
“I’d definitely recommend Grants4Growth!” said Jason. “Applying is so straightforward and the machine has really streamlined our production process.”
Harkenn aren’t the only Lincolnshire SME to benefit from the programme. When Matt Lee and Chris England decided it was time to take their production company Property Video Solutions to the next level, they got in touch with Grants4Growth to see what support was available. The Grantham-based business used their grant of £3,347 to purchase new audio, lighting and camera equipment, allowing them to hire a new camera operator, increase their capacity and expand into new markets.
When asked if he’d recommend the programme, Managing Director Chris England said: “The Grants4Growth team were really helpful – if I had a question the answer was just a phone call away. Their support has accelerated our growth by at least a year!”
Since 2013, sustainable packaging company Direct Cardboard Boxes has been fighting the UK’s waste management crisis by selling used boxes to businesses at a low price, helping to keep them in circulation for longer. Earlier this year, they were excited to be considered for a contract with a well-known international packaging and courier company, but were required to provide a tailored pallet-strapping and tensioner tool to meet the conditions of the contract. Grants4Growth gave the Newark-based small business a grant of £1,000 towards the equipment, helping them to stack boxes more neatly and efficiently onto trollies and winning the coveted contract.
Ellie Good, Direct’s Sustainability and Communications Manager, said: “The Grants4Growth team were really friendly and the process was simple.
“We’re not a huge business, but we’re doing what we can to make the world a better place and Grants4Growth has helped us to achieve that.”
Grants4Growth runs until 2022, but with less than £1 million left to claim, businesses need to hurry if they’re to benefit from the programme.
Councillor Nick Worth, Deputy Leader of South Holland District Council, said: “Over the past three years, we’ve received more than 290 applications from Lincolnshire-based businesses. To date, we’ve approved grants of £2.1 million and stimulated capital investments in machinery and equipment of over £9 million.
“In these difficult and unusual times, Grants4Growth continues to help businesses invest in their future, driving productivity improvements and helping protect and create quality employment opportunities across the county.
“Whether you want to improve your efficiency, cut costs, increase your turnover or expand your workforce, get in touch with the team today and see if you’re eligible for a grant of up to £25,000.”
Visit the Grants4Growth website to find out more: https://grants4growth.sholland.gov.uk/
