Northamptonshire Enterprise Partnership (NEP) has joined Northamptonshire County Council in launching Locate, a new initiative devised to attract companies to the region.
Locate is offering small and medium UK and overseas grants for businesses of up to £20,000 and a package of services and support to make the move.
Available to companies over a year old with turnover of €50m or less and fewer than 250 employees, the scheme is seeking fast-growth businesses, particularly in the technology sector, that are looking to expand or relocate by moving to Northamptonshire.
The Council has provided £100,000 in backing for the pilot initiative with the aim of funding a minimum of five businesses.
In addition to grant funding, successful applicants will receive a year’s worth of mentoring from an NEP contact who will provide help with the property search, information on the local area, networking opportunities and recruitment support.
Forming part of a wider programme of activities designed to develop Northamptonshire’s economy and attract investors, the NEP will favour applications from businesses with a commitment to creating employment opportunities.
With Northamptonshire named as the Most Enterprising Place in Britain by the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills in 2012, NEP claims the city provides a ‘healthy mix’ of professional guidance and support in order for companies to pursue growth once they relocate.
NEP investment manager David Burrows commented on the launch:
“Locate sends a clear message to potential investors: Northamptonshire is open for business.
“Locate gives Northamptonshire a competitive advantage in securing investment from inbound businesses based not only in the UK but also overseas.”
(Written for www.growingbusiness.co.uk by Megan Dunsby)