ENTERPRISES in the East Bolton Regeneration area are receiving revenue grants for initiatives which build business.

The SRB (Single Regeneration Budget) 6 area covers Breightmet, Tonge, Hall i'th' Wood and parts of Burnden, Darcy Lever and the Haulgh.

Business Adviser Ted Martin says the firms supported have included a local take-away which wanted to make improvements to its food preparation area.

He said: "We arranged for an independent environmental audit to be carried out and it was clear from the report that the work would

contribute significantly to the long-term sustainability of the business.

"The client is due to receive £1,250, which represents the maximum amount available under a proposal that cannot contribute more than 50 per cent of the total

cost."

Mr Martin said they had also dealt with a steel fabricator who had experienced a serious breakdown involving a critical piece of machinery.

Companies in the East Bolton Regeneration area seeking more informationabout the support available should contact Ted Martin on 01204 336158 or e-mail ted.martin@bolton.gov.uk

"Within one week we had audited the problem and approved a revenue grant of £1,250 to help towards the cost of repairing the machine."

Mr Martin went on: "The most important factor in any of the projects we work on is that the grant rules clearly state that we cannot support any expenditure retrospectively.

"The programme works best when businesses have either contacted me following receipt of literature from our promotional campaign or made a direct approach.

"This way, I get to know them earlier and the

client has advance information about what SRB6 can do for them.

"It is a learning curve for us both and my job is to match client needs with the

support programme; it is easy really and we can and do respond very quickly."

Other examples from the East Bolton Regeneration support programme include a

fully-funded website, grants for IT hardware and software and workshops to enhance skills. Specialist consultants are available to advise

clients on best practice or projects.

Companies in the East Bolton Regeneration area seeking more informationabout the support available should contact Ted Martin on 01204 336158 or e-mail ted.martin@bolton.gov.uk