GSK Enterprise Scheme open to Cumbrian businesses

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GSK Enterprise Scheme open to Cumbrian businesses

Glaxo Smith Kline is funding a new £0.5m grant scheme to help soften the impact of job losses at its Ulverston site in Cumbria.

The fund has been established as part of a package of measures which aim to address the local economic impact of job losses resulting from the restructuring of the GSK Ulverston antibiotics business. During 2019 and 2020 GSK will progressively discontinue manufacture of sterile antibiotics at its Ulverston factory but will continue to invest in the production of its globally competitive oral antibiotics.

The fund aims to achieve its objectives by offering grants to businesses and start-ups of all sizes in eligible areas.  This investment will encourage the creation of create new jobs and/or safeguard existing jobs, promoting competitiveness, sustainability and growth.

Depending on the size of your business, the fund offers grants between £2,000 and £100,000 to businesses in the LA post code area to meet up to 30% of project costs (capital and revenue) which will lead to the creation of permanent jobs (the panel may approve grants up to £200,000 at its discretion where the level of job creation presents an exceptional opportunity).

Applications will be considered by an independent panel of specialists.

The first step is to submit an Expression of Interest form which you can download here.

Please note that this is a competitive fund which has monthly deadlines for submission for Expressions of Interest and applications.

Depending on the size of the grant you are seeking, there is a choice of two application forms:

  • Grants of up to £5,000 – download the form here
  • Grants over £5,000 – download the form here

You can find more information and guidance on how to complete these forms here.

Please send completed EOI and applications forms to [email protected]

Additional paperwork

Download the GSK Enterprise Fund financial appendices May 2019 here

If you’re a small or medium sized business, the Growth Hub advisers at Cumbria Growth Hub are available free of charge to support your expression of interest and application; and help with other aspects of your proposed project. Advisers can also ensure you’re drawing on any other available funding sources and support. Call them on 08442578450 or email [email protected].