Plymouth to host Regional Growth Fund roadshow for South West businesses

Plymouth is set to host a roadshow event as part of the Government's Regional Growth Fund, which re-opens to bidders today (Friday 11 October).

The Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has announced a new round of bidding, calling on businesses across the country to bid for a share of the £300 million cash pot.

To help south west bidders on their applications, a road show and expression of interest day will be held in Plymouth on 5 November at Tamar Science Park, 1 Davy Road, Derriford, Plymouth, PL6 8BX.

Mr Clegg praised "home grown and British-based businesses" for their crucial role in Britain’s economic recovery.

So far £2.6 billion from the first four rounds of the Regional Growth Fund has supported over 400 projects and programmes, which the Governement claims will create and safeguard hundreds of thousands of jobs over the long-term and stimulate £14.7 billion of private sector investment.

Round 5 will be open to private sector bidders seeking £1 million or more. The Government is calling for companies planning high quality projects that will generate significant private sector investment and sustainable jobs. Businesses will be able to submit their bids until noon on 9 December.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said:

"This fund has so far helped over 400 projects and over 3,000 SMEs across the country to boost our economy - expanding, improving, innovating and helping secure our economic recovery.

"The economic recovery is starting to bloom – we’re seeing very encouraging signs that we are turning a crucial corner on our road to recovery. Home-grown and British-based businesses are leading that charge for a stronger economy. The Regional Growth Fund is a helping hand from the government, but I pay tribute to the people who are working hard to fuel our recovery.

"My message to businesses in every region is clear - if you’ve got a project that needs a boost, bid for cash from the Regional Growth Fund."

Business Minister Michael Fallon said:

"Round 5 requires minimum bids of £1 million but smaller bids are also supported by the fund through programmes. That is why I am making sure that local and national programmes are available to small to medium-sized businesses from as little as £5,000 in some areas all the way up to £1 million. Since the Fund started, over 3,000 grants have been given to SMEs through programmes.

"We expect there will be stiff competition, so companies should take time over their application and demonstrate the benefits that support will bring. We want more businesses to benefit so that they can achieve their ambitions."

Round 6 of the Regional Growth Fund will be launched in the summer of 2014 so that any companies who will not be ready to apply by December can start planning for applications in 2014.