Tyseley Success Story

Cllr Tahir Ali reflects on his recent visit to Tyseley Locomotive Works Ltd;

Since taking on the role of Cabinet Member for Development, Jobs and Skills, one of the most rewarding activities has been visiting the businesses that we work with in Birmingham and witnessing at first hand the skill, enterprise and ingenuity that underpin the city’s business sector, despite difficult economic conditions.

One such visit took place recently at Tyseley Locomotive Works Limited(TLW).

The company is based in the Tyseley Environmental Enterprise District, one of six Economic Zones launched as part of the City Council’s Economic Zones Prospectus in September 2012.

TLW Ltd refurbish steam and diesel locomotives and thanks to a £100,000 Tyseley Property Assistance Programme (TPAP) grant has been able to build a much-needed large workshop extension, allowing the business to expand its operational capacity.

TLW Ltd is among the first businesses to benefit from the council’s TPAP scheme, which encourages small and medium-sized enterprises located in the area to improve their premises or invest in new development.

The grant scheme, for which funding is provided from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), provides a 50% contribution towards development costs up to a maximum grant contribution of £100,000. Limited funds remain, and I would strongly urge businesses in the area to take advantage of the benefits of this programme.

It was fascinating to see these engines and locomotives of bygone eras; it is great to see a Birmingham company thriving with such a worthwhile operation, and with a healthy order book.

As a direct result of the council’s financial support for the project, TLW Ltd has been able to expand in an area of high, long-term unemployment, creating 4 jobs, including mature apprenticeships, and safeguarding the security of the current workforce of 29. The company also has a close working relationship with Bournville College and regularly takes on young engineering apprentices for practical, on-site training.

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