Two more firms get timely boost from Express & Star-backed Green Shoots business fund
Two more businesses have been awarded tens of thousands of pounds from an Express & Star-backed fund to help create jobs.
Removals company Burke Brothers and accountancy firm Bytheway and Co are the latest to win backing from the Green Shoots Fund, set up with the University of Wolverhampton to distribute £1.4 million from the Government's flagship Regional Growth Fund.
So far, 14 businesses have been awarded £461,300 between them to create 53 jobs. Companies with fewer than 250 employees and based in the Black Country are eligible to bid for up to £50,000 each.
Others can still apply if they are based within Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell or Walsall.
Burke Brothers, based on Fox's Lane, plans to create three jobs by expanding its self-storage. It wants to build 94 new secure storage rooms of different sizes.
Managing director Gary, aged 56, said: "We're finding more demand for storage units where customers can come and go as they please."
Burke Brothers has been awarded £50,000 from the Green Shoots Fund towards its overall £166,000 project.
As well as new jobs, the Green Shoots fund will also breathe new life into a derelict building.
Family run Bytheway and Co Accountants, in Sedgley, is taking on the former premises of an electrical company, renovating them and creating new and bigger offices.
Dave Bytheway, director of Bytheway and Co, said: "We have outgrown our current premises." The project cost is £65,000 for the renovation work, supported by £19,300 from Green Shoots.
Businesses are invited to apply for the Green Shoots Fund or find out more here.
