Thirteen local businesses in Keighley and Shipley have already reaped the rewards of the Keighley & Shipley Towns Fund Business Growth Programme funding, leading to expansion and the creation of 35 new full-time jobs.
Since the scheme’s launch in the final quarter of 2022, ten businesses in Keighley have collectively received over £180,000, while three Shipley-based businesses secured just under £50,000.
The funding has been utilised for various projects, including the expansion and modernisation of premises, as well as the replacement of outdated equipment with more efficient and up-to-date systems.
Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning, and Transport, Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, expressed his satisfaction, stating, “It’s incredibly positive to witness how this funding has already translated into growth for the businesses that have benefitted, along with the creation of new jobs for the region. Given the challenging economic climate, it is a substantial boost for the economies of Keighley and Shipley. I hope that other businesses will seize this opportunity.”
Adam Clerkin, Chair of the Shipley Towns Fund, commended the grants for providing businesses with the impetus to invest and expand. He emphasised the thriving business community in Shipley and encouraged local enterprises planning capital investments to engage with the team to explore how they can benefit from the support.
Echoing this sentiment, Ian Hayfield, Chair of the Keighley Towns Fund, expressed his delight at the significant difference made to local businesses in a relatively short span of time. He emphasised that the funding would have long-term impacts, driving social and economic changes across the entire region.
Grants ranging from £1,500 to £315,000 are still available for businesses within or considering relocation to the Keighley and Shipley Towns Fund Areas. Businesses of all sizes, including start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises, and large corporations, are eligible to apply. The funding can be utilized for various purposes, such as expansion, increased productivity, establishing new businesses, preserving existing jobs, and creating new employment opportunities. The funding will remain accessible until March 2026 or until it is fully allocated before that date.
To access an Expression of Interest form or gather additional information on the Towns Fund Business Grant Programme and eligibility criteria, interested parties can visit: https://www.investinbradford.com/business-support/keighley-and-shipley-towns-fund/
