This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Companies to benefit from £14m in business grants
21/04/2006
A 108 year old candle making company and a software firm pioneering text messaging technology are amongst 43 businesses across Scotland set to benefit from £14 million of grants.
Deputy Enterprise Minister Allan Wilson said that the latest round of Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) awards will help create or safeguard more than 1,500 jobs and should lever in total investment of around £67.5 million.
Speaking during a visit to Glasgow-based Shearer Candles, which will use an RSA grant of £140,000 to help create and safeguard 27 jobs, Mr Wilson said:
"It is important that RSA continues to support a wide range of businesses across a number of sectors. This is not only helping companies of all sizes to invest in their future, but is creating vital job opportunities across Scotland.
"Take Shearer Candles. This is a family-run business which has evolved from a traditional candle maker into a leading producer of luxury scented products.
"RSA funding will help this ambitious firm continue its success and expand its current staff base from 36 to 41.
"Also benefiting in this latest round of grants is Keypoint Technologies in Hillington, Glasgow. This leading-edge software company is developing new technology, which will enable information to be keyed more quickly into mobile phones and computer keyboards. RSA funding of £1.3m will help this growing firm create 82 new jobs, taking its workforce to over 100."
Also receiving funding is Amazon.co.uk in Fife, which will use an offer of £650,000 to create 125 new jobs at its Glenrothes facility.
Mr Wilson added:
"This is good news for Fife's economy and demonstrates once again Amazon.co.uk's strong commitment to the area."
Other firms to benefit include:
- Intercell Biomedical Ltd - a biotech company based in Livingston, West Lothian, involved in the production of vaccines. It has accepted an RSA offer of £230,000 towards an expansion project that aims to create 15 new jobs and safeguard a further eight.
- Q-Mass Ltd - an engineering firm which provides subcontract precision machine services for the oil and gas industry. It has accepted an RSA offer of £110,000 to start up a new business in Stirling, creating 10 new jobs.
View the full list of companies