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The first of St Edmundsbury Borough Council’s small business grants has been awarded to a company in Haverhill.

Kelly Woods launched Norvic Credit Control just under six months ago, having gained 18 years’ experience while working for other companies. Her business specialises in chasing up unpaid invoices, allowing her clients to concentrate on their own company.

Now she has successfully applied for a St Edmundsbury small business grant – a scheme that was only launched in July and which is administered on the council’s behalf by Suffolk enterprise agency Menta.

“It is great," said Mrs Woods. "I have been in contact with Menta ever since I first set up in April. They told me about the new council small business grant scheme.

"It will make a huge difference to me. It will give me the opportunity to carry out some marketing and get my name out and about. That in turn means that I will be able to help more businesses chase their unpaid invoices.”

Cllr John Griffiths, leader of St Edmundsbury Borough Council, said: “I am really pleased to present the first of these small business grants. This is about the council helping create and support new jobs for our communities.

“Our West Suffolk partners at Forest Heath District Council have run a similar scheme for three years during which time they helped support 30 new or start-up businesses, creating 54 new jobs and a collective turnover of £2.1million a year. There is no reason why our scheme shouldn’t be just as successful.”

Under the scheme new businesses, or those still within their first year, subject to criteria, can apply to Menta for a grant of up to £1,500.

The St Edmundsbury scheme is using developer money from the Asda supermarket development in Bury St Edmunds to fund new businesses across the borough.

Cllr Alaric Pugh, St Edmundsbury cabinet member for economic growth, said: “Promoting economic growth is at the heart of this council – but firms will struggle to grow if they are limited by their cash flow while chasing invoice payments.

"That is why I am glad that the first St Edmundsbury grant is not only helping a new business, but one that will ultimately work to help many other small businesses in the St Edmundsbury borough.”

Alex Till, chief executive of Menta, said: “Menta are delighted to be working with St Edmundsbury Borough Council in managing their small business start-up grant scheme.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for new and emerging businesses to access direct financial support for their venture. Menta have six businesses who have successfully applied and who will soon be accessing the funds to move their enterprises forward.

"These businesses cover a wide range of types including home care services, vehicle servicing and tyres, through to an art and craft supplies shop.”