More than 50 jobs are set to be created at a Stafford company with the help of the Government’s Regional Growth Fund and the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce.
Plant hire company A.P. Webb of Common Road, Stafford, is planning a major investment programme which is forecast to create 55 jobs over the next two years.
The growth is being made possible through the support of the highly successful Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce Jobs and Growth Fund.
The fund, which targets job creation within Staffordshire companies, has so far invested £2.5 million in projects which are forecast to create more than 870 jobs.
“The Staffordshire economy is on the up and we are delighted to be able to support forward thinking companies such as A.P. Webb,” said Matt Hustwit, Jobs & Growth Fund Programme manager at the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce.
“With around two thirds of the programme funding committed we are on track to reach our target of 900 jobs.
“There is still 9 months for companies in the county to make a bid and we are urging them to get in touch.
Applications are assessed by the Chambers of Commerce before going forward to the Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership board for approval.
A P Webb, a supplier of specialist construction and rail plant founded in 1971, currently employs 80 people at its Common Road site.
Rob Winstanley, Financial Controller, said: “We’re hoping to take on an extra 55 people over the next couple of years.
“We are at a stage where we want to grow and need investment. The kind of plant and equipment we deal with isn’t cheap, so the grant is a significant help.
“Clearly, if we invest in more plant we’ll need more people to operate it and that creates jobs.
“During the recession the industry was focusing on who was the cheapest supplier. Now they’re looking at who is the most reliable and they’re willing to pay a little more, and we like to think we provide the best service.”
ENDS
For media enquiries contact Nigel Howle on 07762043436, email [email protected]
Notes to Editors:
The Jobs and Growth Fund Programme provides gap funding for
companies that wish to expand or invest to create sustainable jobs,
where this investment would otherwise not happen due to lack of available finance. Grant funds can be used for premises expansion, new premises,
plant and machinery and infrastructure (i.e. capital expenditure) where this creates substantial new employment or safeguards jobs. The Programme is funded through the Government’s Regional Growth Fund (RGF).
For enquiries please contact [email protected] or telephone the Business contact [email protected] or telephone the Business Support Department at the Chamber on 01782 2139029.
Regional Growth Fund
The Regional Growth Fund is a £3.2 billion fund designed to help companies in England to grow. So far £2.6 billion of funding has been allocated to support projects and programmes committed to deliver sustainable jobs and economic growth. A sixth round is due to launch in the summer.