[21
AUG 00] THE CHAMBER NEWS
Rover Firms Can Get Help During Switch
Firms
in Coventry and Warwickshire in the Rover supply chain can apply for a
slice of an extra £7 million aid announced by the government.
Production
lines for the Rover 25, 45 and 75 are being re-located, and there will
be a knock-on effect on companies that supply the car giant.
Money
from the Department of Trade and Industry is being made available to
help firms that meet certain criteria, as they could be affected
during the three-month changeover period.
Applications
made by Coventry and Warwickshire companies will be helped on their
way by the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber.
Firms
that have 20 per cent or more of their turnover dependant on the Rover
75, or 40 per cent of their turnover dependant on a combination of
components supplied to the Rover 25, 45 and 75. will qualify.
Chamber
Coventry area director Peter Shearing said:
"Thanks
to the swift action of The Chamber Rover suppliers managed to access
a significant percentage of the first phase of financial support
made available by the government.
"This
is another good opportunity to obtain financial aid and make
positive use of the down-time period when Rover components will not
be required whilst production lines are moving location.
"For
those who succeed in accessing funds placing senior staff and
management on strategic development courses and similar staff
development activities will ensure automotive suppliers have the
best preparation in order to meet the demands of car manufacturers
in the 21st century."
The
Chamber have sent letters to all companies within the Rover Supply
Chain Network, created earlier in the year before the future of
Longbridge was decided.
Companies
who have already received help from the initial phase of aid can still
apply for funding from this package, providing the state subsidy they
have received has not exceeded the European Union maximum of £60,000
over the past three years.
|
