A NEW £2m fund to develop low carbon transport in areas including Hartlepool has just been launched.
And now firms in town are being invited to bid for grants between £50,000 and £300,000 in the campaign dsigned to step up low emission transport in the region.
The Low Emission Transport Collaborative Projects Fund is supported by the Government’s Regional Growth Fund.
It will provide grants for joint projects between businesses and other partners, such as research and development organisations and universities, and is designed to stimulate business growth and generate private sector jobs within the low emission transport sector.
Projects that could benefit include product and technology development that would open up new markets.
Dr Colin Herron, managing director of Zero Carbon Futures, the organisation set up to oversee the growth of the LCV industry in North East England, said: “When it comes to low carbon transport there is a clear opportunity for the North-East to maximise the many assets that it already boasts – an automotive sector and a well established supply chain worth £1 billion that is set to increase over the coming years in line with the demand for low carbon vehicles.
“The launch of the Collaborative Projects Fund presents an excellent opportunity for North- East businesses, working alongside knowledge based partners, to capitalise on this emerging marketplace.”
The fund will provide a contribution towards the project cost and should be matched with a private sector contribution.
It is open to organisations looking to create jobs in Tees Valley, County Durham, Northumberland and Tyne and Wear.
The first round of applications closes on Wednesday, December 12, with a second opportunity for businesses to submit applications in March 2013.
To apply or find out more,visit www.collaborativefund.org.uk