GRANTS to help enterprises invest and grow have been awarded to seven York businesses with more available to local firms.

The funding was secured through the Local Enterprise Partnership Business Support Grants, which are open to all small and medium-sized businesses employing less than 250 people.

The York businesses which have successfully secured funding are Choc Affair, Eborcraft, Andrews Signs & Engravers, Trustspan Timber Engineering, Mercers of Yorkshire, Yorvale Ice Cream and Muddy Boots Nursery.

The grants were received from the two Local Enterprise Partnerships covering the York area, which are the York, North Yorkshire & East Riding Partnership and Leeds City Region Partnership.

Both organisations, which are made up of public and private sector representatives, are still offering grants to businesses which are looking to make capital investment in land, buildings, plant, machinery and equipment, or towards research and development projects which will lead to new products and job creation.

The funding comes from the Government’s £3.2 billion Regional Growth Fund (RGF), with the grants meeting up to 20 per cent of the total cost of investment.

Cllr James Alexander, leader of City of York Council, said: “I’m delighted that seven businesses in the city have now accessed the Business Growth Grants, and even more so that the Council’s Economic Development Unit has supported most of these firms with their applications.

"I look forward to visiting some of the businesses to see how the grant has benefitted them and help them grow and create jobs.

“It’s good to see that so many businesses in the city share an ambition for growth and securing jobs, which is a priority of the council.

"The funding is all about giving companies the confidence to invest, hire and grow and I would urge any businesses interested in applying for grants to contact the Economic Development Unit who will be able to advise further.”

The funds will remain open until all grant monies are allocated. For more information York firms can enquire directly to the support teams at the Local Enterprise Partnerships, but for an informal discussion about the grant programmes they are invited to contact Adam Gray or Andrew Sharp at the council on (01904) 551053/ 555834.