AC expressed, on behalf of Lockwood Packaging Company, thanks to the Panel for the help and
assistance given over the years for the grants previously awarded. Panel noted these grants have
helped them to grow and maintain job security for their staff. In addition, the Lockwood Packaging
Company wished to express their thanks for the patience and understanding shown by the Panel
with the application being submitted today.
AC provided background information on the grant application. Panel noted this is a re-submission,
with a completely revised application to the one discussed, and agreed in principle, in December
2020. Diversification noted. Some concerns expressed and general discussion took place.
(2) Mirus Aircraft Seating Ltd - Agreed to support
Local Authority of business - South Norfolk District Council
£250,000 - De Minimis
13 full time positions to be created
NS provided background information on the grant application and potential issues. The Panel noted
Mirus Aircraft Seating Limited has had two previous applications in June 2015 and August 2018 - NS
outlined details.
A complicated application. Questions and concerns were raised by the Panel, on eligibility for support
and availability of GBF funding.
State Aid regulations - CD provided update on State Aid regulations and the temporary measures
currently in place, as well as giving assurance from the New Anglia LEP perspective that the
application is eligible for support. The project is supportable through the Temporary Framework,
which previously allowed up to €200,000 under the de-minimis arrangements, now replaced by up to
€325,000 ‘Special Drawing Rights’ or approximately £335,000 over 3 years.
GBF funding - CD outlined the GBF funding position. As of last week, the GBF pot was nearly spent,
however, New Anglia LEP have been looking at potential underspend and clawbacks from other
projects and have managed to initially top up the GBF pot up by £288k. In addition, they are currently
looking to make a further top up of £130k from underspends on further projects and will make a
formal recommendation to the New Anglia LEP Board to sub-divide the current pot available for the
Business Resilience & Recovery fund and re-allocate half of it to GBF. In total it is hoped to add
approximately £800k of additional funding into the GBF pot which gives a workable pot going forward
into Autumn. Panel noted that all monies need to be defrayed by the end of the current financial year.
Ideally the fund will need a few reasonable sized bids, that are project ready, so that all the monies
are spent, and claimed, by end of March 2022 as monies cannot be rolled over into next financial
year.
Additional information - DD provided further background information. The project has the
Department of International Trade (DIT) attention and reinforces the New Anglia LEP view that this is
a significant inward investment for the region. Details of the proposed new test sled facility were
outlined, and Panel noted the new facility will be a valuable, and influential, asset to the local
economy and will attract, and draw in, other businesses to establish around it.
Panel noted that Mirus Aircraft Seating Limited have completed both original projects successfully,
and by diversifying, will help recovery and growth and put the company in a good position going
forward.
Lengthy discussion took place. BD made comment from Suffolk County Council point of view. Further
discussion took place.