New Flintshire and Wrexham funding schemes aim to drive SME growth and job creation
TWO new multi-million pound grant schemes have been launched in Flintshire and Wrexham, marking what leaders have described as the start of a new era for advanced manufacturing in North East Wales.
The schemes, aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), are designed to stimulate business growth and investment across the region. They form part of the newly established Flintshire and Wrexham Investment Zone, which is backed by both the UK and Welsh Governments and co-ordinated by Ambition North Wales.
Both Flintshire County Council and Wrexham Council are delivering local grant programmes, offering funding awards ranging from £5,000 to £100,000, with businesses required to provide at least 30 per cent match funding.
Applications open on Monday, February 2, and successful businesses will be able to use the funding for a range of development and improvement projects, including:
- Capital equipment purchases to enhance manufacturing capability
- Accreditation and certification to improve supply chain access, turnover and growth
- Property adaptations and green site modifications to support more sustainable operations
Together, the two schemes will distribute a total of £6 million in grant funding over the next three years.
Councillor Dave Hughes, Leader of Flintshire County Council, said the Investment Zone would bring long-term benefits to the region.
“The Investment Zone is a hugely positive step for Flintshire and Wrexham, and will give us a platform to attract new investment to the region – helping to create jobs and inspire the next generation of business leaders and skilled workers.
“The launch of these grants shows the kind of opportunities the Investment Zone will bring, and I hope as many local businesses as possible will apply.”
Councillor Mark Pritchard, Leader of Wrexham Council and Chair of Ambition North Wales, said the funding represented a major opportunity for the sector.
“The advanced manufacturing sector is crucial to our economy, and a lot of world-class manufacturers are already based here.
“We now need to build on this and show that we’re a true powerhouse for advanced industry in Wales, and I hope that local firms take advantage of these grants. This is a golden opportunity for the sector.”
SMEs — defined as businesses with fewer than 250 employees — account for 97.4 per cent of all businesses in both Flintshire and Wrexham. Despite the presence of major global companies in the region, smaller firms are seen as essential to driving growth within the advanced manufacturing sector.
The schemes are expected to play a key role in strengthening regional supply chains, sustainability, innovation and long-term economic resilience across North East Wales.
