ELEVEN Kirklees businesses have received help to get an edge over their national competitors – and create more jobs.
The companies – which have not been identified at this stage – have all benefited from an initiative run by Kirklees Council, Huddersfield University and Kirklees College.
The scheme provides successful applicant firms with Innovation Vouchers to pay for knowledge and expertise for a specific project from a leading expert such as a university, college or research and technology organisation.
Firms supported are drawn from the manufacturing, food and drink, medical, design and business services sectors. The vouchers are used to help them develop new products and improve manufacturing, testing and control systems.
More than 40 applications were received from businesses across Kirklees. across the district.
A council spokesman said the 11 schemes approved could generate up to 38 new jobs in the businesses involved and safeguard a further 69 posts.
Kirklees Council has contributed £31,500 to the scheme, which is part of an economic recovery programme to promote and create jobs and support individuals and businesses.
Clr Peter McBride, Kirklees Cabinet member for regeneration, said: “The Innovation Voucher scheme is a great example of how we are working with our partners in Kirklees to lead the district out of recession.
“This is just one of a number of council measures designed to promote and create jobs and strengthen our local economy.”
