BUSINESSES expansion across the region is set to be given a further cash boost after St Helens Chamber was awarded £6million through the Government’s Regional Growth Fund.

The chamber, based on Salisbury Street, St Helens has been handed a further wave of funding, which it will direct to applicants across Merseyside.

The ambition is to drive expansion and create 760 new jobs in the region.

Bosses at the chamber believe their track record of placing funding with firms in St Helens mean they are well placed to help others boroughs benefit too.

Kath Boullen, chief executive at St Helens Chamber, said the funds will make a huge difference to local businesses.

She said: “Over the last 18 months we have been able to support 34 businesses in St Helens, with £1.38m in grants. 

“This has already created 133 new jobs and safeguarded 34. Now we have a further £6m to help businesses right across Merseyside, working with local chambers in each borough to make it as easy as possible for them to get the financial support they need to grow and expand.”

The fund will provide grants of up to £75,000 to a maximum of 20 per cent for investments towards capital expenditure projects such as purchasing equipment and machinery or acquiring premises for expansion plans.

St Helens based Euro Lab Supplies Ltd were assisted with £70,000 towards a £350,000 investment to relocate and expand.