Grant support from the Merseyside Jobs and Growth Fund has enabled Acer Engineering to expand into new premises and increase its workforce.
Founded in 2000, the family run business produces tailored steel fabrication products for Jaguar Land Rover, Veolia, NSG Group and other large companies in the North West.
The company had outgrown its premises in Speke and needed to relocate, so they turned to the Merseyside Jobs and Growth Fund for support and were awarded a grant of £43,650 towards their expansion plans, safeguarding the future of the company and creating nine new jobs.
Their application was submitted with the help of Mike Holmes from Business Doctors, a support network dedicated to helping small and medium sized businesses achieve their full potential.
Managing Director David Halton said: “In our old premises we were working on top of each other and it was becoming unsafe. There wasn’t enough space for welding and it had reached a point that we were spending time each day setting up work spaces outside, and then bringing them back in at the end of the day.
“Without the grant there is no way we’d be where we are now in terms of staff numbers. Our efficiency has improved massively and more work is coming in, which we now have the space to fulfill.”
Business Doctor Mike Holmes said: "Acer was a business on the cusp of great things and it is very satisfying to have helped them get to the next level."
The Merseyside Jobs and Growth Fund is managed by St Helens Chamber and provides grants for businesses planning to expand or invest in Merseyside, creating new jobs for local people.
Funded through the Regional Growth Fund, grants of up to £75,000 are available to provide capital investment for growth when suitable finance is not available elsewhere.
Further information on the Fund, eligibility criteria and detail on how to apply is available at www.sthelenschamber.com/mrgf