Hundreds of new jobs to be created in Yorkshire

MORE than 300 new jobs are to be created in West Yorkshire thanks to a multi-million pound investment from the Government’s Regional Growth Fund (RGF).

Bed manufacturing company Harrison Spinks is being awarded more than £2m from the fund to help create 138 new jobs and safeguard 40 in Leeds.

This will be matched with £4.5m from the private sector. The firm will use the money to further develop an innovative recyclable spring technology to replace foam products in its beds.

Normanton-based company, Really Useful Products, has secured £1m of RGF investment to help create 175 jobs. The storage box company will use the investment to install new machinery and expand its factory, which will allow the business to increase the manufacture of plastic products and grow. It has also secured nearly £6m of private investment.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg will visit both businesses to meet workers and see where the cash from the RGF will be invested to boost jobs and growth across the region.

Mr Clegg said: “Britain is on the road to recovery, and it’s because of businesses like this who are working hard and helping us build a stronger economy.

“Investment allows these ambitious companies, in Yorkshire and across the country, to grow and create more jobs. It boosts the local economy, and helps fuel Britain’s economy.

“I am delighted that hundreds of new jobs will be created thanks to the Regional Growth Fund.

“I want 2014 to be another great year for growth in Yorkshire. And the eyes of the world will be on us as the Grand Départ of the Tour de France takes place here, bringing millions of pounds of investment to help the region thrive.”

Harrison Spinks managing director, Simon Spinks, said: “It is fantastic to be supported by the Regional Growth Fund, which will only help to drive our business forward.

“The investment from the RGF will help to create an additional 138 jobs within our company by helping us to fund our research and development over the next five years.

“We have some very exciting developments in the mattress, cot mattress, upholstery and foot wear markets that we are looking forward to launching later this year.

“The RGF funds will help us bring these new products to market in a shorter timeframe, whilst boosting skilled employment in the Yorkshire area.”

Really Useful Products finance director, Neil Ashton, said: “We are really pleased to have been successful in our bid to the Regional Growth Fund and this investment has already been used to create 24 new jobs in manufacturing, distribution and sales.

“The money will also help us expand our family-owned business and create 175 new jobs in the area over seven years.

“Without the grant we would not have the funding or confidence to make such a large investment.”

£310m has been awarded to 49 businesses in Yorkshire and the Humber since 2010. This will help to create £1.6bn worth of private sector investment and thousands of jobs.

Round 6 will open this summer.