Flintshire businesses urged to maximise support opportunities

Local businesses are encouraged to make the most of funding and support opportunities available through several projects that have been awarded a share of the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund.

Financial assistance, as well as business advice, bespoke business planning, and opportunities for networking, sharing knowledge and collaboration is available to businesses that range from large manufacturing companies to SMEs, social enterprises, town centre retailers and tourism operators. 

Several projects are designed to assist businesses with their decarbonisation strategies, enhance digital technology and connectivity or invest in technology in order to improve productivity and efficiency. Support to help businesses innovate and introduce new working practices and new products is also available.

A number of projects will assist employers to identify the skills gaps within their organisation and recommend appropriate training, education and knowledge transfer solutions.

More specific support is available to encourage businesses to invest in tourism infrastructure and experiences and to enable them to explore new markets.  Bespoke one-to-one support and training is on offer to town centre businesses.  There is also a dedicated project looking at strengthening the local horticultural sector.

Councillor David Healey, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Economy, said:

“These projects have the potential to significantly support Flintshire businesses and help them to grow and remain competitive.  The majority of these projects are however only available until the end of next year so I would urge to businesses to grasp these opportunities now before time, or the funding, runs out.”

Projects that are designed to support Flintshire businesses include:

·         Accelerating Decarbonisation and Productivity through Technology and Skills (ADAPTS) 

·         Flintshire Sustainable Decarbonisation Future (FAST) 

·         The Flintshire Fund 

·         Flintshire Green Digital Academy 

·         Supporting Tourism and Sector Key Fund 

·         Employer Skills North Wales 

·         North Wales Growth Vision Opportunities 

·         Horticulture Wales 

·         North East Wales Innovation and Skills Network 

·         Skills Innovation Voucher Scheme 

 Further information about the support available including eligibility and contact details for each of the above projects can be found here.