A DERBYSHIRE distribution firm is rolling out an expansion plan after picking up a grant from the Derby Enterprise Growth Fund (DEGF).
DG Light Haulage is expanding its warehouse and has employed a trio of fresh employees, having secured £41,000.
Based in Tonge, near Melbourne, the company provides haulage and warehousing.
The cash injection will also help the business improve its premises with expanded offices and an area for vehicle maintenance.
It is part of the firm's £140,000 investment programme that includes leasing an additional 13,000 sq ft of warehouse space.
With more capacity, the company's existing transport management and light haulage services have been expanded to offer UK and international pallet services, towing services, pick and dispatch as well as container handling for companies around the Midlands.
So far, the business has recruited an additional driver, a warehouse manager and administrator and there are plans to recruit at least one more driver in the coming months.
DG Light Haulage was set up by managing director David Guilford after leaving school 20 years ago.
He said: "The support and funding available from DEGF has been a fantastic boost to my business.
"It has enabled me to drive it forward much more quickly than would otherwise have been the case.
"Although it has been daunting in terms of how quickly things have taken off in the last few months, the DEGF has been a fantastic opportunity to increase the services I can offer to other business, as well as the number of employees working with me.
"With the business development going as well as it is at the moment, we're expecting to recruit at least one additional full time driver in the next few months.
"If things continue as they are at the moment, we will certainly be looking to increase the head-count even further in the future."
DEGF is supported by the Government's Regional Growth Fund and run by Derby City Council.
It aims to support the growth and job creation at businesses in Derby and companies throughout its travel-to-work area through a mix of loans and grants.
Councillor Martin Rawson, Derby City Council deputy leader and cabinet member for planning, environment and regeneration, chairs the DEGF panel of industry and financial experts who consider applications.
He said: "Logistics is at the heart of the local and national economy – moving goods between manufacturers, suppliers and customers in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
"DG Light Haulage is a growing business in this industry and is already demonstrating that grant support from DEGF is a highly-effective catalyst for expansion and job creation."
Derby City Council is still accepting applications for the Derby Enterprise Growth Fund.
