The support offered to local businesses by Pembrokeshire County Council and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) was highlighted to the Deputy Prime Minister recently.
Rt Hon Angela Rayner MP visited the Bridge Innovation Centre (BIC) in Pembroke Dock, run by the Council on Wednesday August 21st, to meet local people who have received assistance through the UKSPF to support the development of their businesses and safeguard and create jobs.
Ms Rayner was welcomed to the BIC by the Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Jon Harvey and Deputy Leader, Cllr Paul Miller.
Rachel Moxey, the Council’s Head of Economic Development and Regeneration, and Business Development Manager Peter Lord accompanied Ms Rayner as she met a series of business people.
Among them was Claire Garland from The Pembrokeshire Cheesecake Company.
With help from the Council’s business team, Claire was able to access funding to help buy a refrigeration unit for her vehicle to enable her travel further afield with her delicious treats.
Ms Rayner also met Heidi Reynolds from Dale Sailing. The family yacht building and marine services business was assisted to buy a specialist boat mover, creating three jobs and safeguarding seven others.
Also meeting Ms Rayner were Jade Rixon who has received business support to take on a catering contract, Sean Lade of Easy Garden Irrigation who received a grant for software and warehouse improvements and Sarah Evans of Jackland Leisurewear, who received funding towards an embroidery machine.
Ms Rayner, who is also Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, spent time speaking with the businesses, learning more about their experiences, successes and challenges.
Cllr Harvey said: “It was an honour to welcome the Deputy Prime Minister to the Bridge Innovation Centre and for her to meet our fantastic business support team and a small selection of the wonderful local businesses that have received funding through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
“As a Council we have spent the last few years laying the foundations for investment and jobs in the County and we were able to explain the importance of funding such as UKSPF to local businesses.
“This includes start-ups requiring support to more established businesses who are looking at taking the next steps in their growth and development, supported by our teams.
“If you would like to learn more about how our teams can help you and your business, there is a drop-in business support event held on the last Friday of each month at the BIC.”
