Business and Innovation Growth grant

A DUNDEE brewing firm has raised a glass to the city council after receiving £50,000 towards new equipment.

Funding put up by 71 Brewing to buy a new canning machine has been matched by support from the Dundee Business Innovation and Growth Grant.

The fund supports growing Dundee-based businesses through an allocation of £500,000 to the council from the Scottish Government Local Authority Covid Economic Recovery Fund.

So far eight companies have received backing through the scheme, operated in conjunction with Business Gateway Tayside, with a number of new applications still under consideration by the decision-making panel.

On a visit to 71 Brewing’s Bellfield Street premises council leader, John Alexander and depute convener of the city development committee Steven Rome, saw for themselves how the money is being used.

Cllr Alexander said: “A share of the Scottish Government’s money to help the economic recovery from the worst of the pandemic has been focussed on supporting Dundee companies who work with Business Gateway Tayside on a growth plan. That helps the decision-making team to assess suitability for the award and only once this is done will firms be given the green light to submit an application.”

Cllr Rome added: “It was fascinating to be able to see first-hand how 71 Brewing’s canning machine will enhance the productivity and production capacity of the company and support its future growth strategy.

“With the aim of increasing both turnover and staff numbers over the next three years, I am delighted that the Dundee Business Innovation and Growth Grant has played a part in supporting the company to be able to fulfil customer orders more quickly and efficiently.”

Duncan Alexander of 71 Brewing said: “Having two senior councillors on site to get an idea of exactly how the money we have received from the council will be used to sustain and grow the business was a unique opportunity that I was delighted to take. While the process was rigorous and thorough, the level of detail that we were asked to supply was reassuring because it was clear that we were dealing with people who knew their stuff and had the same aims and objectives as we do at 71 Brewing.”

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