North-east companies benefit from Covid-19 support package

COMPANIES across the north-east of Scotland are to benefit from Scottish Government’s business support package for those affected by Covid-19.

A total of 3,656 awards have been made to companies across Scotland equalling around £145.3m.

Dean’s of Huntly received £150,000 from the Pivotal Enterprise Resilience Fund (PERF). The firm produces premium shortbread and has operated with safety measures in place during recent months, starting back initially with a small team and gradually increasing staffing numbers in line with social distancing guidelines and utilising staggered shift patterns.

Bill Dean, managing director, said: “The funding is a welcome boost to help gear Dean’s back towards full production. We won’t see pre-covid normality for some time, but at the moment support like this helps to give businesses confidence.”

Dean’s had recently completed a move to its new warehouse and distribution building and the funding has helped to maintain expansion plans and allow the company to develop new products and plan for the completion of a new 10,000 sq ft production hall.

Aberdeen engineering design firm Cadherent  received £100,000 of PERF and the grant has provided additional cashflow and allowed the firm to continue to diversify its operations to sectors beyond the oil and gas industry to sectors such as renewables as well as protect its workforce.

David Thomson, Cadherent managing director, said: “Coronavirus has seen a slow-down in orders, as expected.

“The availability of the PERF grant has been a huge help to our business during this crisis. It has allowed us to take stock as the situation has evolved without making knee jerk decisions.”

Steve Dunlop, Scottish Enterprise chief executive, said: “It is not an easy time for many businesses and Scottish Enterprise is working hard to provide funding, advice and resources to ensure businesses not only survive, but thrive now and in future.

“The support from the Hardship and Pivotal Enterprise Resilience Funds has allowed companies across a range of industries to continue to trade. We will continue to work alongside Scottish Government and partners to focus on a fair, sustainable and jobs-focused recovery and play a critical role in rebuilding Scotland’s economy.”