A RECORD number of Devon companies have received funding from the latest Business Promotion Grants awarded by Devon County Council.

It is the fifth time the County Council has awarded the Business Promotion Grant – handing out funding to 16 Devon companies on this occasion - to help them gain valuable exposure at tradeshows and exhibitions across the country.

The initiative helps local firms to cover exhibiting costs at high profile trade shows or events – with the aim of promoting their goods and services to new audiences to help the development of their business and support Devon’s growing economy.

Grants of up to £1,500 were available through a competitive bidding process.

The Business Promotion Grant is part of the County Council’s Devon Delivers programme, which highlights Devon as a great place to live and work.

Councillor Rufus Gilbert, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, said: “This is the fifth occasion that we’ve offered the Business Promotion Grants, and I’m delighted that we’re able to provide a record number of grants this time round.

"We always receive plenty of applications for this funding and we’re proud to be helping some outstanding local businesses to promote their goods and services at high profile events. It’s good news for the development of these Devon companies which, in turn, is good news for Devon’s economy."

For more information on the Devon Delivers programme go to: www.devondelivers.co.uk and: www.investdevon.co.uk .