Two weeks left to apply for Regional Growth Funding

So far, over the first four rounds of the RGF, more than 400 projects and programmes are being supported across the country. Since the launch of the fund in May 2010, the fund has supported many different sectors – including automotive, aerospace and offshore wind – to help rebalance the economy and boost economic growth. Business secretary Vince Cable has visited British car maker Lotus in East Anglia to announce £10 million award from the RGF. He said: "The car industry is one of Britain's great success stories, employing over 130,000 people and helping to build a stronger economy by contributing £11 billion a year. The government's industrial strategy is working and giving business the confidence to invest, creating more high skilled, long term jobs in the UK. "I am pleased to announce today that our flagship economic plan to create jobs outside of London - the Regional Growth Fund - is awarding Lotus a £10 million grant which will help them develop their next generation of cars and create over 300 new jobs in East Anglia. "The government has already supported over 400 projects with £2.6 billion from the Regional Growth Fund, promoting growth in regions across England. The latest round is still open for another two weeks and I'd urge all businesses with a plan to support jobs in their local areas to apply." EEF chief executive officer Terry Scuoler added: "There have been many examples of manufacturers making strategic investment decisions to grow their businesses with the support of the RGF since its inception. With advance notice that the final round will take place next summer manufacturers have an opportunity to see how support from the Regional Growth Fund could strengthen their business plans and help to secure orders in the future."