Grant funding from Opportunity Goole, one of eight projects funded through the Goole Town Deal programme, has enabled several local businesses to invest in new equipment and training that will allow them to grow and expand more quickly.

As well as offering local individuals and businesses useful information and practical support, Opportunity Goole also operates a Flexible Grant Scheme that can provide funding towards the cost of securing training, employment and business opportunities. To date, more than £65,000 has been allocated to 32 different projects. 

Among the businesses that have successfully applied for a grant are Helm & Ransome Construction Ltd, which was awarded £10,000 towards the cost of buying an excavator and a further £6,500 to pay for four members of its team to complete their Class 2 Heavy Goods Vehicle training.

Director Scott Ransome explained: “I first met the Opportunity Goole team last year when they helped us to get two of our employees onto an apprenticeship course. More recently we decided to submit an application to the Flexible Skills Fund to help us pay for a new excavator and training for our team to be able to drive a grab wagon to transport waste away when we’re working on highway and pathway projects. Being able to do this ourselves makes us more competitive and also helps us secure contracts that we wouldn’t have been able to go for previously.”

Meanwhile, local businesswoman Rebecca Cawston, founder of the Lux Wax Emporium, has received a grant of more than £2,000 towards the cost of equipment that has enabled her to expand the range of products that she offers. 

Rebecca explained: “I started my wax melts business during the pandemic but was keen to expand into cosmetics, room sprays and other products. 

“The funding from Opportunity Goole has enabled me to buy some of the equipment that I needed to be able to do this much sooner. Now that I can ramp up production, I plan to offer my products wholesale, as well as direct to the customer. I’ve also invested in a gazebo so that I can attend more outdoor events this year to further boost my sales.”

Meanwhile, The Hob Kitchens received a grant of more than £10,000 to install a new racking system in its warehouse, and pay for digital marketing activity, new computer software and training.

Senior Manager Claire Smith said: “The grant application process was a breeze from start to finish; we would encourage any local businesses to speak to the Opportunity Goole team to find out more about the invaluable, friendly support that’s available.

“The racking makes our warehouse storage much safer and more efficient, making good use of the full height space available. The grant funding is also enabling us to take our first steps into digital marketing, and our new computer software enables us to produce designs at a much faster pace.”

Claire added: “We became aware of Opportunity Goole through the Goole & Howdenshire Business Meetings that I attend every other Friday morning at RaisE Business Centre in Goole; the support and advice we have got through this group has been amazing so far!”

Based in Goole Library on Carlisle Street in the town centre, Opportunity Goole provides easy access to information about local job opportunities, training provision, grants, business support and more. To arrange an appointment or find out more, email the team at opportunity.goole@eastriding.gov.uk.