BusinessGrowth and Expansion

Peter Rippingale, Business Support Team Leader

Peter has worked with East Durham businesses for over 17 years advising on business expansion and heads the Business Support Team for EDBS.

Peter helps businesses looking to expand by identifying appropriate premises, advising on sources of finance including grants and working with them to produce a business plan. He will also help businesses to identify problems which might prevent expansion and bring in help as appropriate.  This can be in relation to planning, recruitment, training or a problem unique to that business. Peter is the contact at EDBS for inward investment.

Premises Grant

Companies based in East Durham taking commercial premises for the first time, may be eligible to apply for grant funding of up £4000.  The grant can cover up to 50% of the capital costs of taking commercial premises for the first time.

Managed Office Space Rent Support Grant

The Managed Office Space Rent Support Grant is available to SME's taking managed office space in East Durham for the first time.  The grant is worth the equivalent of 3 month's rent, service charge and rates to a maxiumum of £2,000. 

Applicants must be able to create one job within 12 months of the application (new starts may consider their job as that created).

Business Recovery Grant

The EDBS Business Recovery Grant has been established to support East Durham Business suffering in the current economic conditions by providing financial assistance. 

Applications for funding can be made by East Durham based businesses, currently at risk, to a maximum value of £25,000.  Applicants need to develop proposals for activities that provide a way of overcoming the effects of the recession on their business.  The grant can help pay for actions that have a clear impact and are not fundable by other public sources.  An independent review of the business will take place to ensure that the proposed activity is new, appropriate and that the business is viable as a going concern.

For all EDBS Growth Business grants, eligibility criteria and allowable costs should be discussed with Peter Rippingale on 0191 586 3366.  Or by e-mail on peter.rippingale@edbs.co.uk before proceeding with any activity.