Local Businesses Receive Funding Boost

Local Businesses Receive Funding Boost

Coast to Capital recently approved four Growth Grant Applications from the 201819 Growth Grant Programme. In addition to the two applications approved in September 2018, the programme has now awarded growth grants to six businesses across the Coast to Capital area. The programme provides match funded grants to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and social enterprises in the Coast to Capital area. The funding comes from the Local Growth Fund and aligns with the new strategic economic plan, ‘Gatwick 360˚’.

We are delighted to announce that the following four businesses were awarded Growth Grants:

• Wildtrax Electronics in Littlehampton were awarded a grant of nearly £50,000 to support production productivity enhancements through the upgrading of their surface mount printed circuit board assembly equipment and Industry 4.0 ‘smart’ component feeders. • The Chichester Biltong Company were awarded a grant of £135,000 to purchase new packing machinery for their expansion project. • Roscomac Ltd in Worthing are approved for a grant of £170,000 to support factory modernisation by purchasing 5 new 5-axis CNC milling machines. • Gemini Print Southern Ltd in Shoreham-by-Sea were awarded a grant of £105,100 to purchase a new high-speed print folder that will increase outputs and efficiencies. The programme is not currently accepting applications, however, we encourage eligible businesses in the Coast to Capital area that want to discuss the potential for grant funding from April 2019 to get in touch with the Growth Hub. More details on the programme and eligibility documents can be found on our website.

Jonathan Sharrock, Coast to Capital Chief Executive said:

“We are thrilled to be able to further support our economic area by funding innovative and high growth projects. This programme compliments our already successful Growth Hub service and the new Coast to Capital Escalator Programme.”

Mark Bullen, Managing Director of Wildtrax Electronics said:

“We are incredibly excited about winning this grant as it will enable us to move towards our goal of being Industry 4.0 ready; with significant technological upgrades in machine automation and intelligence. Leading to a step-change in productivity enhancements throughout Wildtrax and GB Electronics group.”

Simon Smith, Managing Director of The Chichester Biltong Company said:

“The Coast to Capital experience has been surprising. The interest and effort shown to us by the late Amanda Geel and her colleagues goes above and beyond

what we ever expected. They tirelessly guided our efforts without hesitation to enable us to apply and successfully attain a £135k grant award. This award enables us to expand into our second factory and buy the much needed automated packing line that we otherwise could not achieve in the time frame required. Coast to Capital are true small business champions. I recommend this program wholeheartedly.”

Joseph Martello, Managing Director of Roscomac Ltd said:

“Roscomac manufactures a wide range of components and subassemblies using the latest CNC technology. This award is great news for Roscomac, its staff and customers, helping us stay at the forefront of machining technology.”

Steve Cropper, Managing Director of Gemini Print Southern Ltd said:

“It was a challenging process applying for the Growth Grant programme, but their input and guidance was invaluable, and such a thorough due diligence process by experts is a really positive thing for any company. The grant has allowed us to invest in leading-edge, world-class technology to achieve costeffective, high-quality results for our clients.”