North Staffordshire set for major growth after RGF cash injection

NORTH Staffordshire is set to undergo major economic improvements following the release of Government finance as part of the latest Regional Growth Fund settlement.

The Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership said the decision by the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills to back half of the 10 schemes it submitted would kick-start plans for hundreds of new jobs and spearhead new investment.

Pottery firm Steelite International will be using the money to support the county’s best-known industry by developing a new manufacturing facility to produce bone China.

Ceramic industry research body CERAM will be examining how new technologies can be used to improve the energy efficiency of ceramic firing.

The consultancy will build a kiln to scale up its testing from the laboratory to a commercial level.  If the new technology is subsequently proven, it could help ceramics manufacturers to cut their energy consumption, something which the energy-intensive industry is crying out for.

Tony Kinsella, chief executive at Ceram, said: “The funding will allow us to fully test the new technology at an industrial scale and, if successful, will mean that ceramics manufacturers can cut their energy costs by a possible 25%, allowing them to compete more effectively in the global market.  We’ve estimated that, in the Stoke-on-Trent area alone, the industry could cut energy costs by £2m, resulting in hundreds of new jobs locally.”

An added bonus is that lower energy usage will help reduce carbon footprints.

Moorland and City Railways plans to use the funds it has been allocated to acquire a series of disused railway lines in north Staffordshire. These will then be renovated and reopened to create the UK’s largest sustainable private railway network.

Stoke-on-Trent’s Etruria Valley, which the LEP had earmarked earlier this year as part of its bid for Enterprise Zone status for north Staffordshire, will receive £2.5m. The money will be used on a series of road and rail improvements in the area with a view to attracting new investment.

Plans include improving junctions to the north of the site, constructing two new roads across the core of the area – one providing a route to the north and the other linking up to Festival Way, turning it from a cul-de-sac into a two way route, and the construction of a bridge over the River Trent.

The measures are designed to connect Etruria Valley and its extensive employment opportunities to the areas of Burslem, Middleport and the A500.

Cllr Mark Meredith, Stoke’s cabinet member for economic development, said: “This could create nearly 1,000 new jobs if existing businesses can expand and new businesses take advantage of the improved road and rail links.”

Fradley-based Zytek Automotive will be using its funding to enhance its electric vehicle programme. The project will create a facility for the research, development, training and manufacture of advanced motor and control technologies.

In a further boost to the county, excavator manufacturer was also successful with a bid to secure RGF cash for its engine development business, which is based in Derbyshire.

A JCB spokesman said: “We can confirm that JCB has made a successful bid for support from the RGF to assist in the development of new engine technology.”

Maitland Hyslop, chair of the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire LEP, said: “LEP members were extremely impressed by the business cases put forward and look forward to the projects coming to fruition. It’s also encouraging to see the Etruria bid given the go-ahead after the area lost out on an Enterprise Zone allocation.

“Following the round one success with Alstom and Middleport, to have five RGF approvals in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent in the second round really shows the area is being recognised as a key place to invest and do business in.”

The Government is now carrying out due diligence on the schemes to ensure they can deliver on what they promised.