A FUND to help boost jobs and small firms in Tendring has seen its first grant help to attract an innovative business to the district.

Globaltec Innovation received a £75,000 grant from Tendring Council’s £750,000 small and medium enterprises growth fund.

The firm manufactures innovative consumer products and started trading with a football launcher for use in coaching from grass roots right up to professional level.

The £75,000 will help create 12 new jobs at the company’s new site in Brightlingsea.

Owner Daniel Judge said: “We are extremely happy to have secured funding.

“I would certainly recommend the scheme to other businesses and start-ups considering applying, as the funding can be a huge benefit in respect of scaling up and commercialising production. We are looking forward to creating new jobs in the Tendring district.”

Council investment and growth boss Zoe Fairley said: “The growth fund represents an excellent opportunity for local businesses to expand and to create new jobs, and the council is proud to be able to support the district’s businesses through this scheme.

“I sincerely hope that the success of Globaltec Innovation in accessing the fund will serve as an inspiration to those looking to start up or grow their business in Tendring and that they come forward with their own bids.”

The grant supported the firm’s relocation from Colchester to larger premises in Brightlingsea.

The firm said the grant comes at a time when demand for their product is expected to increase, particularly among football clubs and academies. The company’s new location will enable it to respond to large orders for their ball launcher and the grant will be used to help with the relocation and refit of their new premises.

Clacton MP Giles Watling, who was previously the council’s cabinet member for regeneration, set up the fund two years ago.

He said: “It was great to be involved in the project and we always knew it would take some time to get off the ground.

“This grant will be a boost for the economic regeneration of the district and will directly lead to 12 new jobs - hopefully further grants will help other businesses to grow and create even more jobs in the district.

“Any businesses who think they could benefit from the grant should get in touch with Tendring Council.”

Businesses can apply for grants of between £3,000 and £150,000 and must also invest some their own funds.

For more information, contact Tendring Council’s business team at funding.support@tendringdc.gov.uk.