Member Article

North West businesses benefit from RGF funding injection

Enterprise Minister Mark Prisk’s tour of the North West has coincided with a manufacturer in Haydock being granted £1.1 million from the Government’s Regional Growth Fund today.

Screening equipment company, Harpscreen Limited, produce screens for recycling, road building and quarrying industries, and has been awarded the fund while Mark Prisk is visiting the plant near St Helens in Merseyside.

Harpscreen will use the fund to lessen their reliance on import suppliers and give themselves more scope to take on competitors. Not only will this money strengthen the company, it will also go towards the creation of 66 permanent jobs and protect existing positions.

The Managing Director of Harpscreen, Kevin McCabe, said: “This is a fantastic shot in the arm for Harpscreen as a British manufacturer and will help us in realising our growth aspirations both in the UK and globally.

“The RGF funding has enabled a project that would have struggled to come to fruition to become a reality.”

The RGF is a Government fund of £2.4 billion used to support schemes with the potential for economic growth. Harpscreen’s attainment of part of the fund has also led to £3.3 million worth of investment from private funders.

Mark Prisk commented on the screening company’s success while he was visiting.

He said:“Manufacturing plays a vital role in the UK economy and I am pleased to see the positive impact of the Regional Growth Fund in supporting business and boosting British manufacturing in the North West.

“The investment at Harpscreen is great news for the region in creating new jobs and allowing the business to remain competitive and export to new markets. I wish them every success for the future.”

Harpscreen’s achievement has been celebrated by Liverpool City Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) as the Minister met with their board.

Robert Hough, Chair of the Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership said:

“Harpscreen’s commitment to their Haydock site is a huge vote of confidence for St Helens. The £1.1million secured from RGF will not only create jobs but will deliver investment in advanced manufacturing techniques in Liverpool City Region.

“The LEP has worked with a number of businesses to support their bids for the RGF and it is great to see them succeed.”

Another North West winner had good reason to celebrate as Regenerate Pennine Lancashire opened its Accelerating Business Growth project after £7.5 million of funding from RGF.

The firm will aid business growth within manufacturing and create jobs in the North West economy.

Image from Comms Engage

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Miranda Dobson .