Second round of rate relief for manufacturing businesses

KIRKLEES Council is offering further funding to support manufacturing businesses in the area following an initiative which saved 87 jobs across six local firms.

A second round of rate relief will be offered to manufacturers in Kirklees who could receive a reduction to their annual rates bill.

The first round of rate relief saw an investment of £284,391 from Kirklees Council and the government.

The initiative, part of the Real Help Now package, is aimed specifically at manufacturing businesses. Manufacturing organisations employ around 20% of the workforce in Kirklees and many have been hit hard by the effects of the recession.

Applications for rate relief will be assessed by a panel and those successful  will receive a reduction in their bill for a year.

Business Link Yorkshire has  also developed a range of services including fact sheets, online tools, workshops and face-to-face business reviews designed to help established businesses address the challenges they are facing.

Free financial health checks funded by Yorkshire Forward are also being made available to businesses. The checks aim to help companies assess their financial strengths in order to survive in the economic downturn.

Coun Peter McBride, cabinet member for regeneration, said: “The firms that were successful in round one of the rate relief initiative are really pleased to be receiving a reduction on their bill and it’s making a real difference to their businesses.

“We recognise that these are hard times and are pleased to be able to offer further support with round two. I hope that as many businesses as possible apply for this initiative and benefit from what the council is offering.”

The closing date for applications is 4pm on January  15. To apply visit
www.kirklees.gov.uk/business or call 01484 221414.

For information about the financial health checks visit www.businesslinkyorkshire.co.uk or contact 08456 048 048.