A BUSINESS growth programme has created 84 new jobs and secured a further 29 across Halton.

Grants totalling £370,000 have leveraged a further £3.7 million in private sector investment.

The money has funded projects including improving production facilities, upgrading software and new machines.

Eleven companies operating in print, IT, logistics and engineering have benefitted.

Halton Council’s business growth grant programme teamed up with Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership to manage the scheme.

The programme, funded by the Government’s regional growth fund, invited businesses to bid for capital investment.

Halton Cllr Eddie Jones, board member for business development, said: “This aid towards improving business sustainability has delivered tangible benefits to the business community in Halton by supporting companies to help create jobs and make them more sustainable.

“Improving business sustainability and performance will help our economy thrive and create more employment opportunities.”

Recycling and waste management company WSR Recycling in Ditton Road, Widnes received £100,000 to invest in new equipment.

The firm is run by husband and wife team Nick and Amanda Prescott.

It was originally established in 1936 by Nick’s granddad, Fred as a haulage and agricultural contractors’ company.

It diversified into skip hire and general waste management.

Nick transformed the business investing in new plant and processes to create a modern recycling company.

He said: “Anything which can be reused like metals, plastics, paper and card is separated and sent for recycling while unrecyclable material is shredded and baled and used as fuel for energy generation.

“The grant enabled us to expand and get new business in.”

Three new pieces of machinery were installed to make the process more efficient.

Nick added: “We have protected 10 jobs and generated 10 new roles.

“We can now have up to 60 people working on site at any one time.”

His company helps to divert 32,000 tonnes a year of Halton’s black bag residual waste from landfill.

The firm can process 200,000 tonnes of waste every year.”