Eleven firms have received grant funding worth a total of £348,000 from the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) to spur their growth and boost employment.
According to the LEP, the funding – the second round of its Gateway for Growth grant scheme – will inject £10m into the local economy and create up to 85 jobs. 
Among businesses to receive funding is innovative Swindon-based business Tetronics International, which was awarded £50,000 to help establish a permanent presence in China for its pioneering technology used in recycling and hazardous waste treatment.
The funding should spark sales growth of 20% over the next two years, helping it create 11 jobs at its South Marston base.
Chippenham-based RTS, which specialises in learning and development services for the global automotive industry, also plans to use its £50,000 grant to develop overseas opportunities.
Leafield Environmental, the Corsham-based manufacturer which makes litter and recycling bin, traffic bollards and agricultural products, will use its £50,000 to expand its product line to include hard-wearing mobile storage cases.
Other successful grant applicants include Box-based digital marketing agency Aerian Studios; Corsham-based Clear Vision Accountancy; family-owned Chippenham window suppliers DL Windows; Corsham-based defence engineering firm Leafield Logistics & Technical Services; Saphire Group, the Hillmead, Swindon-based group of companies providing specialist mechanical, electrical and building maintenance services; Melksham database marketing firm Valldata Services, Westcut Engineering, also based in Melksham; and Devizes concrete supplier Wiltshire Heavy Buildings Materials.
Wessex Chambers is leading on the delivery of the project, which is being run through the recently launched Wiltshire Business Hub.
Wessex Chambers chief executive Rob Perks said: “It’s great to see the Wiltshire Business Hub fully up and running and delivering real, tangible value to businesses across Swindon and Wiltshire.
“The project is enabling businesses that might otherwise be unable to commence new initiatives, to break through barriers and go on to even greater success.”
The grants were awarded by an expert panel. Its chair and SWLEP board member James Phipps said: “We received a fantastic response for this second round of grant funding and the quality of applications remains high.
“A common theme among applicants was a desire to extend their markets overseas. We are delighted that these grants will help to show the world the business potential that lies within Swindon and Wiltshire.”
The grants are funded by the Regional Growth Fund with support from Lancaster University.
Small and medium-sized businesses with at least 10 employees and turnover of at least £500,000 can apply for grants from £5,000 to £50,000. The next grant panel will take place in July.
LEP director Isobel Brown added: “It’s fantastic to see that funding secured by the SWLEP is continuing to support businesses in the area to grow. In addition to the grants, the programme has dedicated advisors across the LEP area who offer businesses practical advice and support.”
Funding applications must be able to demonstrate the opportunity and desire to grow, increase jobs and productivity.
For more information go to www.wiltshirebusinesshub.co.uk
