CREATIVE, cultural and digital Thurrock businesses are being encouraged to take advantage of a new £5.1million grants and support programme.

The South East Creative, Cultural and Digital Programme (SECCADS) is a programme led by Thurrock Council and running across Essex, Kent and East Sussex.

Between now and December 2020, it aims to help more than 370 companies and sole-traders with business support or match-funded grants of up to £20,000, in a bid to provide a major boost to the creative economy in the South East.

Grants awarded under the scheme can be used to fund both capital and revenue projects, including equipment, plant and machinery costs, salary costs towards a new role, supporting initial rent for new premises, funding the cost of purchasing patents, and IT software.

The business support element of the programme has been awarded to Space Studios - a well-established organisation supporting the creative industry. Space is developing a business support programme tailored to meet the needs of creative businesses in the South East.

For more information, email SECCADS@thurrock.gov.uk.