The Keighley and Shipley Towns Funds have provided substantial financial support, resulting in the creation of 40 jobs across the Bradford district. More applications are still being accepted.
The Capital Assistance to Business Growth Programme is a component of the government-funded Towns Fund, with £4 million set aside to aid local businesses in the Keighley and Shipley areas, roughly £2 million allocated to each. Grants are determined by the Towns Fund boards for each town, comprising private sector representatives, with support from Bradford Council.
As of September 2023, 13 businesses in Keighley have received funding of up to £276,000, and eight businesses in Shipley have been granted up to £137,000. This is expected to result in the creation of 65 jobs.
Funding has been utilised for various projects across the district, including facility expansions, modernisation, and the replacement of outdated equipment with more efficient systems.
Aire-Valley Architectural (Aluminium) Ltd, located on Parkwood Street, Keighley, a manufacturer and installer of aluminium glazed facades, is one of the latest beneficiaries. They were able to create a new job after receiving £16,775 for machine software and installation, along with facility upgrades.
Sales Director Chris Kilvington explained: “The business was established in 1994 and we’ve been in this same building since 2002. The grant has allowed us to improve and upgrade the facilities, including reconfiguring the way we work. It means we’ve been able to move the noisier elements of the processes into the same space, which is much better from a health and safety perspective.
“It has been incredible to have this support through the Towns Fund. The way the grants process has worked was exceptional. We’ve had such support from Bradford Council who have walked us through the application and supported us every step of the way. It’s made a real difference to the business and will continue to do so for years to come.”
Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, explained: “Grants ranging from £1,500 to £315,000 are still available for businesses within – or looking to move to – the Keighley and Shipley Towns Fund Areas, and other businesses are invited to apply.
“It’s so positive to see how this funding is already making such a significant impact. It has directly translated into growth for the businesses who have received it so far and the welcome creation of new jobs for the area.”
Fretwell Print and Design, located on Goulbourne Street in Keighley, a print and direct mail business, recently received £19,989 for a new printer. This has led to the creation of two new production operative roles, adding to the 48-strong team.
Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, explained: “Grants ranging from £1,500 to £315,000 are still available for businesses within – or looking to move to – the Keighley and Shipley Towns Fund Areas, and other businesses are invited to apply.
“It’s so positive to see how this funding is already making such a significant impact. It has directly translated into growth for the businesses who have received it so far and the welcome creation of new jobs for the area.”
Print and Direct Mail business Fretwell Print and Design, of Goulbourne Street in Keighley, recently received £19,989 towards replacing their printer with a new model. It has created two new production operative roles, to join the 48-strong team.
Joint Managing Director Andy Gillett said: “We produce high-quality printed packaging, literature and direct mail products for many large blue-chip companies and organisations both here in the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
“We used the Keighley Towns Fund grant to purchase a Kyocera 4-colour inkjet machine, enabling us to increase productivity as well as saving time and resources. The machine also means we’re making an 86 per cent saving in energy consumption.
“The process in securing the grant was straightforward and we were guided through by Bradford Council. It’s an investment that means we’ll be able to grow our existing customer base and open up new markets, as the speed of service will make us even more competitive.
“I’d definitely recommend other businesses contact the team to see if they can benefit – this kind of support for local businesses is crucial in the current economic climate.”
Ian Hayfield, chairman of Keighley Towns Fund, said: “We are delighted to have made such a significant difference to these local businesses in a relatively short space of time. Keighley has a proud industrial heritage and a thriving and enterprising business community. There is funding available for businesses who would benefit and we’re keen to help Keighley’s businesses to grow. I would encourage anyone interested in applying to get in touch.”
