Caerphilly businesses urged to apply for EU money

Robin Lewis, owner of Pole Optical with employees Gareth Smith and Neil Williams.

Businesses in Caerphilly County Borough are being urged to apply to a new European funding scheme.

Caerphilly County Borough Council has said the first firms that previously signed up to the Local Investment Fund are already feeling its benefit.

The Local Investment Fund is a new scheme that has been made available to local authorities in Wales through EU funding and the Welsh Assembly.

Three of the firms in the Caerphilly County Borough who have so far successfully applied for the grant to date are:

Meridian Blinds and Curtains, based at a shop in Maesycwmmer and a council-owned business unit in Pontllanfraith, has been awarded a grant to purchase new cutting equipment. The investment has already increased business efficiency, helped reduced waste and is slashing manufacturing time.

Pole Optical, a Bargoed based firm that manufactures optical lenses for their own opticians shop (Bargoed Site Centre) and for other opticians. The funding helped towards the purchase of a specialist machine to cut lenses using the latest optical technology.

ON Davies – a Newbridge joinery manufacturer that has been awarded funding towards the cost of purchasing a spindle moulding machine and tooling system.

Councillor Ron Davies, Caerphilly County Borough Council’s cabinet member for regeneration, said: “The diversity of these ventures clearly demonstrates that the Local Investment Fund is an accessible funding stream that can benefit businesses of all shapes and sizes.

“The council is delighted to offer this funding, along with the package of support and advice currently available from our dedicated team and I would appeal to local businesses to get in touch to see if we can help.”

For more information about applying for the Local Investment Fund contact the council’s Business Development Team on 01443 866222 or email business@caerphilly.gov.uk

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