Cash boost will safeguard Ayrshire jobs

Nov 6 2009 by Lisa Boyle, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

Cash boost will safeguard jobs

A JOBS boost is on the horizon after a government grant for two Ayrshire businesses.

Neogen Europe, at Auchincruive, and Dundonald-based Inter-Tec Services are better off to the tune of £240,000.

The money will be used by both firms to safeguard 45 jobs and create a further 24.

Neogen Europe develops and markets specialist diagnostic kits which focus on concerns about the quality and safety of food and agricultural products – from the quality of seed that goes into the ground, right through to the safety of fully processed food products.

Stephen Holmes, managing director of Neogen Europe, said: “We are significant employers of science graduates in this area.

“Six years ago we employed 15 people, now we employ 60 and by next year we are hoping to employ 70 people.

“This grant will go toward the purchase and refurbishing of more premises.

“It is a commitment to making Ayrshire the long term home for Neogen in Europe.”

The government’s Regional Selective Assistance funding is providing the grants.

RSA is the main national scheme of financial assistance to industry, providing grants to investment projects that will create and safeguard employment.

Inter-Tec Services have provided structural analysis and design solutions – mainly in the aerospace sector – within the UK and Europe for over 10 years.

Managing director Fred Gorrie said: “This was on the back of us aiming to move to new office accomodation. With the current climate, we’ve had to temporarily shelve that idea. But we are hoping to invoke it early next year, securing current jobs and creating new ones.”

Adam Ingram MSP said: “The Scottish Government is working hard to strengthen the economy, and with the support of our RSA grant scheme almost 2500 jobs can be safeguarded or created across the country.

“RSA helps to attract investment into our communities, creating opportunities for employment and supporting much needed jobs, which will increase growth and ensure a strong economic recovery.”