Christmas has come early for a number of Goole-based businesses and individuals after they each received a share of more than £364,000 in funding from the Opportunity Goole project’s Flexible Grant Scheme.

One of eight strategic projects funded by Goole Town Deal, Opportunity Goole was established to develop the local workforce by offering free support to individuals, employers and the self-employed. As well as providing support and advice to more than 350 local people and over 160 businesses, community interest companies and other organisations, the team also invited people to apply for grant funding towards the cost of securing training, employment and business opportunities. The Flexible Grant Scheme was established to plug a gap in existing funding provision, by providing financial support to those who were not eligible for other grant schemes. To be eligible, applicants had to demonstrate that they would use their grant to boost the local economy, either by giving people access to training and job opportunities or helping businesses to grow. The grant scheme has now closed to new applications.

Among the many businesses, organisations and individuals who have benefited so far are:

Tom Franks (19), who runs a local mobile DJ business called Franksy Mob DJ, working alongside his father, Simon. The pair received a grant towards the cost of buying additional equipment that will enable them to attend two different events on the same evening. Although he’s currently studying at Newcastle University, Tom returns to Goole most weekends to run the business. 

He said: “The grant has been a massive help as buying the additional equipments means we can now take on more bookings. We’re hoping to grow the business further when I finish university, so this has set us up nicely.”

Grotech Production, a speciality blending and packing company based in Goole, received a grant towards the cost of new equipment that will strengthen its liquid packing capabilities. The firm’s Marketing Manager, Debbie Plumb, explained: “This will help us to keep pace with growing demand in the agricultural chemistry liquid sector. As well as supporting the long-term stability of our workforce, it will also lead to the creation of two new roles. This investment has boosted the resilience of a key part of our production line, helping us to maintain strong service levels for customers and plan confidently for future growth.”

The team at Sew Impressive, a Goole-based business offering branded workwear, successfully applied for grant funding towards the cost of buying new machinery that has enabled them to improve and expand their offering. Peter Bruce, who runs the business, said: “It has made such a difference; I don’t know how we’d have coped without the new machine. It’s helping us move forward because it’s so much faster and the quality is so good. We can do bigger jobs more quickly, so it’s already made such a huge difference to us.”

Rael Todd, a personal trainer who runs boot camp classes at venues across the local area, as well as one-to-one fitness sessions, also received a grant towards the cost of equipment. He explained: “Opportunity Goole has been a game-changer for me. Without that support, I simply wouldn’t have been able to grow my business so quickly. The Opportunity Goole team has also been there whenever I needed guidance. Whether it was business advice or helping me build a solid business case, their support has directly fuelled the growth and stability of my business.”

Eastwood Civils and Groundworks, a local civil engineering firm, has used its grant funding to buy machinery that has enabled it to expand into the agricultural concrete and drainage market. Joe Eastwood, a partner in the business, explained: “The grant was used to buy a tractor that has already won us more work by allowing us to be able to move materials and our own plant more efficiently. This tractor is reserved for agricultural work but has been flat out since we bought it, so has definitely helped us to tender for, and win, more work in this sector. As a result of this, we’re now looking to take on two new members of staff in the new year.”

Peak Security Services, which provides security services to several events and organisations in the Goole area, received funding that has enabled local learners keen to embark on a career in security by gaining their Level 2 Door Supervisor qualifications. Business owner Steve Masterman said: “I’ve been involved in security in Goole for a long time, working at most of the venues in town at some point or another.  We plan on continuing to grow in the area so that I can offer both training and employment opportunities to the people of Goole. The funding from Opportunity Goole has allowed local learners to join one of my courses, gain their qualifications and, as a result, secure employment with us.”

More case studies about the work of the Opportunity Goole team and the individuals and businesses that they’ve supported can be viewed on the project page.

Although the Flexible Grant Scheme has now closed, people living in the Goole area can still access the free support and advice on offer from Opportunity Goole, by visiting the team at Goole Library or emailing before the end of March, 2026.

You can also access more information and support to develop your skills, or those of your workforce, and gain qualifications or learn something new by visiting East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Adult Learning and Employability website.  Alternatively, call in at Goole Job Centre Plus on North Street in Goole for further careers advice and support, visit the website or telephone 0800 169 0190.