A £200 million fund is on offer for Herefordshire businesses who can show that they can generate private sector investment.

The Regional Growth Fund (RGF) has opened its sixth round of bids – with the previous five rounds awarding £410 million to projects across the Midlands, including Herefordshire.

One of the biggest local success stories has been the Redundant Building Grant, which, following £1.5 million in RGF investment, is expected to create more than 300 jobs by helping bring abandoned buildings back into economic use.

Chairman of the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership, Graham Wynn, said: “The RGF is helping accelerate growth and support private sector projects which are creating and safeguarding jobs.

“I would urge companies in Herefordshire, to consider looking at whether they have projects which would benefit.

“Even if projects or programmes are already being developed or under way, a bid can be made for some extra funding to get started or for the scheme to reach its full potential.”

The bidding process will be open until September 30, and road shows throughout the country will help provide advice on how to make a successful bid.

For more information visit www.gov.uk/understanding-the-regional-growth-fund or email growthfund@bis.gsi.gov.uk .