Bristol City Council - Invest in Bristol - Funding & Support
Invest in Bristol provide a comprehensive service of assistance and support to businesses and investors who are considering locating in Bristol. This range of support services is offered freely and confidentially to serious investors, and we encourage all potential clients to contact us directly.
Business Link is also available to offer assistance and support with locations of funding, though they do not administer funding themselves. They can be reached at the Great Western Business Centre, or on +44 (0)845 600 9966.
Financial Assistance/Grants
The Grant for Research and Development provides finance to individuals and small and medium-sized businesses in England to research and develop technologically innovative products and processes. It is administered in the South West by the South West of England Regional Development Agency. There are four different types of research and development project for which a grant can be awarded. Each requires the applicant to make their own contribution to the project costs:
Further information regarding the Grant for Research and Development is available here.
Loans
Under the Enterprise Finance Guarantee, the Government supports bank lending of 3 months to 10-year maturity, to UK businesses with a turnover of up to £25 million. It enables businesses to secure loans of between £1,000 and £1 million through the Government guarantee and has been approved until 2014-15 with a total budget of £600 million.
Incentives, Tax and Others
Businesses in the United Kingdom are eligible for tax incentives for undertaking research and development projects regardless of their size.
Small and medium sized enterprises are able to claim tax credits, whilst larger corporations are able to claim corporation tax relief. Further information about this scheme is available on the HMRC website .
Recruitment / Financial Support
The Invest in Bristol team offer support during the recruitment process. When companies are putting together their business case for relocation, they help companies get an idea of the availability of qualified staff.
Bristol has a workforce of over 600,000 people, with the highest proportion of highly qualified (at least degree / NVQ 4 or equivalent) workers of any major English city outside of London.
West at Work also offer a variety of services for employers and individuals focused around training and recruitment opportunities.
Business Accommodation Assistance
Locate In Bristol
Major investors looking to relocate in Bristol can enjoy the support of the Invest in Bristol reception service. Support includes, but is not limited to:
- Support with compiling the business case document
- Identification of suitable property in Bristol
- Assistance with access to local business networks and the business community
- Interdepartmental liaison services with the local council
For further information on the assistance Invest in Bristol can offer when relocating, please contact the Economic Development Team on +44(0)117 92 22928
Mergers and Acquisitions
Invest in Bristol can facilitate business relations between companies in the same sector. As part of their support process, the Invest in Bristol team help investors to become integrated into the Bristol business community and can provide assistance with identifying possible partners and acquisitions in your field.
