Halton Borough Council - Funding & Support
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The External Funding, European and Regional Affairs Team is responsible for identifying particular areas of financial assistance and sources for grants
The team helps companies identify and access relevant sources of funding from the voluntary, public and private sectors, including the Council, clubs, societies and charities.
The team are also focused on identifying sources of European and Regional funding which are available to businesses operating in Halton. They provide assistance with drafting bids to these institutions and in identifying sources of funding.
Investors are encouraged to contact Halton Borough Council directly with their enquiries.
Financial Assistance/Grants
Two teams are responsible for identifying particular areas of financial assistance and sources for grants. These are the External Funding Team and the European and Regional Affairs Team.
The External Funding Team helps companies identify and access relevant sources if funding from the voluntary, public and private sectors, including the Council, clubs, societies and charities.
The European and Regional Affairs Team are focused on identifying sources of European and Regional funding which are available to businesses operating in Halton. They provide assistance with drafting bids to these institutions and in identifying sources of funding.
Investors are encouraged to contact Halton Borough Council directly with their inquiries.
Loans
The Business Development Team will advise businesses on loans from mainstream sources and any available regional loan schemes. The Team can also provide assistance through the application process.
Incentives, Tax and Others
Tax incentives are available for projects in research and development in the form of tax relief for larger businesses or tax credits for small and medium sized enterprises. Further information on the specific incentives in the tax system is available on the HMRC website.
Business Education & Support Teams are also available from HMRC, providing workshops in order to inform business owners about their tax responsibilities.
More information on Business Education & Support Teams.
Rental Incentives - Dewar Court, Runcorn
A new incentive scheme has been implemented by Halton Borough Council to new start-up businesses at Dewar Court in the Astmoor Industrial Area of Runcorn.
The high quality premises allow businesses the flexibility to develop and expand alongside numerous national and local businesses already operating on the estate. The Council aims to actively support new businesses and help them establish themselves.
See below for the favourable conditions and eligibility of this incentive.
Venture & Equity Capital
There are several ways of accessing equity finance, which the Halton Business Development Team can advise you on, or help you identify available sources.
Recruitment Support
Halton Employment Partnership offers support to established and new businesses and investors with their recruitment needs, whether small or large scale projects.
Employer support is personalised to suit each company's requirements. This can include:
- Marketing assistance and promotion of new job vacancies
- Interview support
- Handling initial enquiries
- Providing a dedicated database to handle all stages from enquiry through to job offer
For large-scale recruitment campaigns, HEP can call upon the expertise and resources available from our Partnership arrangements to provide a comprehensive package of support to the employer and potential recruits.
Please contact Marie Hoyles, Halton Employment Partnership Manager, for more information about HEP's recruitment support.
Business Accommodation Assistance
Halton Borough Council offers a comprehensive range of support in identifying and securing suitable commercial properties which meet the needs of businesses.
As well as this personal service, a database of potential property opportunities is maintained by the Halton Business Development team.
Investors are encouraged to contact Halton Council with any enquiries regarding property opportunities in the area on Tel: 0151 906 3790.
The Business Improvement District (BID) is a partnership between businesses and property owners on the Halebank and Astmoor Industrial Estates in Widnes and Runcorn.
Halton Borough Council manages, on behalf of the BID, a range of projects to increase business security, image enhancement and provide various support functions to businesses.
Mergers and Acquisitions
The Halton Chamber of Commerce provides a unified voice for businesses in Halton. A membership-based group, they organise annual networking opportunities and are able to provide a picture of the local commercial landscape.
Who's here? See who's already investing in Halton...
Other
The Rental Incentive Scheme at Dewar Court will be offered to start-ups between September 1st 2011 and March 31st.
Favourable Terms:
- Low Cost – six months at 50% of agreed rent, then three months at 75% of agreed rent. (Full rent thereafter).
- Flexibility – 12 month contract with break option after 6 months
- Business Rates Relief for small businesses
- Fixed insurance and service charge for the first year
Eligibility Criteria
- A “start up” business will require an introductory letter from your bank confirming it is a new business venture and / or this is the first commercial premises that are being taken
- Agreement and set up that rent and fixed insurance / service charge to be paid by direct debit only
- References – to provide at least two references including a bank reference which must confirm your ability to meet the rent and other obligations of the lease
Please contact Russell Cain for more information.
