Rising Stars is the main delivery brand name for the programme. It is delivered under contract by the Bradford Chamber. Rising Stars employs a number of experienced Business Advisers who engage and support both new start and established businesses trading within the Bradford District.

Professional Services is an integral part of the support service and provides public sector subsidy of a range of services to our client companies.

Which client companies are eligible?

As Rising Stars and Professional Services are part funded through the European Regional Development Fund, there are eligibility criteria which the client must meet before any referral into the programme. The criteria can be complex but in summary;

Clients must be SMEs as defined by;

• Annual turnover not exceeding EUR 50 million, and/or an annual balance sheet total not exceeding EUR 43 million.
• Employ fewer than 250 persons.
• If clearly part of a larger group then it is usually the size of the group which is considered – if in doubt then ask!

Client companies must demonstrate the ability to trade outside the local area.  Some sectors are usually ineligible, including;

• Support will not be provided where displacement of other businesses within the programme area (Bradford District in this case) is likely to take place as a result. Generally this excludes support to retail, banking and insurance.
• Fishery, aquaculture, primary production, processing and marketing of agricultural products, coal steel and shipbuilding.
• General (school age) education provision organisations.

What level of subsidy can be applied for?

The upper limit under state aid rules is for a company to receive no more than EUR200,000 of state grant support over any three year period. The client is required to sign a declaration as part of the application process.

Within this limit, support available to companies eligible under this scheme is up to a maximum of 50% of the total cost exclusive of VAT. The amount granted through professional services will depend upon;

• The scope of the business development project being proposed.
• The expected benefit to the client company in terms of impacting on its ability to grow and increase turnover and profitability.
• The expected impact in terms of additional sustainable employment in the Bradford District.
• The wider benefits to the Bradford District economy

Grant subsidy of Professional Services is entirely at the discretion of Bradford Council.

Please be aware that the fund cannot pay for work which has already been carried out. The rules on this are very strict and there are no exceptions.

Who makes the decision about which supplier to use?

The client business decides which supplier they will chose for a project subject to satisfying Bradford Council that the choice is appropriate and represents value for money. The client’s business adviser will never decide on the client’s behalf.

Next steps?

For more information or to talk to an Adviser, please contact us on:

Freephone: 0800 587 5874
Landline: 01274 735844