A WIRRAL maritime company can now push ahead with expansion plans that include creating more than 30 jobs, after a successful bid for council funding.

The Carmet Tug Company, which is based in Eastham and operates internationally, will now be able to buy land and assets to allow them to expand into maintenance and repairs, growing their business turnover by a potential £1.5m.

The expansion has been made possible thanks to a £147,650 Business Growth Grant from Wirral Council, designed to provide support to businesses for viable projects that will enable their expansion and a growth in local employment.

Council leader Phil Davies said: "We are committed to growing the local economy and intervening to support local businesses that cannot access any other external funding to help them grow.

"Without the grant the company would be unable to proceed with the expansion, and would significantly delay their growth and prevent the creation of vital new local jobs.

"This investment will enable Carmet to move into new areas of vessel maintenance, and eventually the design of new vessels, ensuring maritime jobs and expertise remain in operation in Wirral."

Carmet Marine, a new subsidiary of the tug company, will trade from the shipyard at Riverbank Road in Bromborough and will operate the site's slipway.

Carmet Tugs will utilise the slipway and will move their administration into high-quality offices available in the newly purchased yard.

The total costs for the project are £2,197,650, with £147,650 from Wirral’s Business Growth Grant.

Brett Metcalfe, from Carmet Marine said: "We have ambitious plans to grow our business and significantly enhance the company's capacity and range of services into new, exciting areas that will help increase turnover and create new jobs.

"We have worked closely with the council to secure the grant that will enable this to happen, and we are thankful for their support."