A TOTAL of 35 new jobs have been created after Keighley and Shipley businesses were granted funding through Keighley and Shipley Towns Fund.
The Business Growth Programme funding has allowed 13 businesses to expand and create the new full-time jobs.
Since the scheme was launched in the last quarter of 2022, ten businesses in Keighley have received more than £180,000 between them, and just under £50,000 has been awarded to three businesses based in Shipley.
Funding has been spent on a wide-range of projects such as expanding and modernising premises, as well as replacing older equipment with more efficient, up-to-date systems.
Among the companies to benefit are Shipley based J W Stead & Son Ltd, which manufactures and supplies products and services for the textile industry.
The business received a grant of £30,527 to replace two injection moulding machines with new, energy efficient ones.
Director Stephen Stead, said: “The new machines will provide energy savings and will safeguard jobs. They will increase capacity to allow us to source additional work and increase productivity.”
Pave Haworth deli and bistro received funding to extend into empty premises next door. The money will part-fund work to expand seating capacity and extend the kitchen and basement. The project will also create three new full-time jobs and a number of part-time and seasonal posts.
Andrew Briton, of Pave Haworth, said: “With the help of Keighley Towns Fund, we were able to take on the lease and complete the work needed for expansion. This has increased sales and has enabled us to create a number of new jobs within the local community.”
Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “It is a huge boost for the economies of Keighley and Shipley in an increasingly difficult economic climate. I hope other business will take advantage of the opportunity.”
Chair of Shipley Towns Fund, Adam Clerkin, said: “Shipley has a thriving business community and it is fantastic to see businesses benefit from the support.”
Ian Hayfield, Chair of Keighley Towns Fund, said: “The funding will have an impact for years to come and the successful growth of our business community will help drive real social and economic change for the whole area.”
Grants 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. The funding is available up to March 2026.
For more information visit:https://www.investinbradford.com/business-support/keighley-and-shipley-towns-fund/
