A LEDBURY business will be able to improve efficiency after it was handed a grant of more than £78,000.

From their base on New Mills Industrial Estate in Ledbury, Galebreaker Group Ltd undertakes research, design and manufacture of fabric based ventilation systems, weather protection and performance enhancing products for the agricultural and industrial sectors.

The company was awarded £78,280.16 from the Marches Building Investment Grant scheme (MBIG) to provide better facilities for new and existing customers and staff and improve efficiency.

The funding will assist with their 3 year expansion plan to double their turnover in Europe and to increase turnover in North America.

Jeremy Scudamore, Director of Galebreaker, said: "The Marches Building Investment grant funding has kick-started our growth investment for our expansion in our export markets.

"Undoubtedly it has accelerated our plans to facilitate a new training academy, better staff facilities and a purpose built goods out building."

Herefordshire Council, who have been supporting the business since the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) grant, said they are committed to growing the local economy.

"MBIG funding has helped so many local businesses to expand, and we are delighted to have been involved in supporting this expansion," said Coun Trish Marsh, Cabinet Member for Environment, Economy and Skills.

"As a council, we are committed to growing our local economy, and by helping local businesses to expand we are able to help our economy remain robust and create new jobs for local people.

"Although the current total of funding is fully committed, we are hopeful that new funding bid will be approved and enable us to continue the scheme for a further three years.

"We would encourage local businesses to contact us to discuss how ERDF funding can help their business."