A Lowestoft business has expanded its workforce, introduced a new range of products and refurbished its premises as a result of support received through a council event.

Waveney District Council's economic development team hosted a business support drop-in event in Lowestoft in June. Working with the New Anglia Growth Hub and BEE Anglia, officers helped to promote business grant applications, energy efficiency savings and encouraged business owners to find out more about potential funding to help their businesses grow.

Representatives from 16 businesses based in the Lowestoft area visited and of those, eight have successfully been through or are now going through the grant application process.

One of these – White Metal – has received funding which has enabled the business to employ two new sales staff and refurbish its premises on Cooke Road to allow for a range of new products.

Warren Hynd, White Metal managing director said: 'We would like to take this opportunity to thank the council for introducing us to the business development grants that are available. Following the meeting arranged with a growth hub advisor from the New Anglia Growth Hub, the grant was approved within a matter of weeks.

'As a result we have now moved into our new offices and made significant improvements to our warehouse facility, which has made a big impact on our productivity. But more importantly we have been able to employ two full-time sales and operations personnel to launch our new easy adjust frameless balustrade system to the UK market, with great success.'

Michael Ladd, Waveney's cabinet member for economic development said: 'Our June event helped to raise awareness of the support available for growing local businesses and it is encouraging to see many of those attending now applying for, and benefiting from, funding.

'Due to the success of the event, we are holding further drop-in sessions throughout November and December. Local business owners are welcome to come along and find out more about grants and other measures to help their businesses to thrive.'

Glen Moore, growth advisor for the New Anglia Growth Hub said: 'The growth hub is always keen to support small businesses that are growing quickly. White Metal is a fantastic business that has been growing extremely rapidly over the last few years, but which we felt could benefit from grant support to help with their investment project. We have every confidence that they will now be able to continue their growth trajectory into the future.'

The drop-in events will be held on Wednesday, November 22, between 11am and 2.30pm at OrbisEnergy, Lowestoft; next Thursday, November 30, between 10am and 1.30pm, at The Angel Hotel in Halesworth and on Wednesday, December 6 between 11am and 2pm at Stella Peskett Hall, Southwold.