AS far as a Worcester marketing agency is concerned the Worcestershire Expansion Programme does what it says on the tin - it has allowed the company to expand.

Bamboo Marketing in Whittington Road has now created 23 new jobs through its own investment coupled with funding from the programme.

Company managing director Annalisa Walker said: “The WEP grant has been absolutely vital in enabling us to invest in people and in industry leading technology. We pride ourselves on recruiting locally and, where possible, promoting from within, offering a genuine career path to our employees. The training element of the grant has meant we were able to accelerate this process and deliver better customer care, retention and new business for our automotive clients”.

A grant of £34,136 alongside investment from the company of more than £30,000 has enabled Bamboo to invest in the latest information technology and facilities. The company has been able to expand its business to a new dedicated call centre, enabling it to maximise business growth and manage the growing volume of calls. Training has also been funded to make certain all staff use the new technology for the best possible customer service, ensuring the company continues to provide top-class marketing services.

The expansion has led to the creation of 20 contact centre staff, as well as an additional post for administration, IT assistance and digital and website design. The company is now also able to accept more pro-bono work for local charities, and work for small businesses benefitting the local area. It plans to take on more interns and work experience students improving skills development in the younger workforce, which is a priority across Worcestershire.

The Worcestershire Expansion Programme, which is supported by the Government’s Regional Growth Fund and delivered locally by Worcestershire County Council on behalf of the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, was put in place to enable local companies to realise their growth potential, strengthen their position in the market and lever in private investment, safeguard jobs and to increase productivity and growth.

Gary Woodman, executive director of Worcestershire LEP, added: “I am delighted the Worcestershire Expansion Programme has meant that Bamboo Marketing has been able to expand and create new jobs. The company's further contribution to the skills development of the younger workforce is also highly commendable and I do hope others will follow its lead.”

Cllr Simon Geraghty, Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet member for economy, skills and infrastructure, added: “This is a great example of the Worcestershire Expansion Programme in action, supporting the growth of businesses in the county. It is part of our wider Open For Business priority to support the local economy and create new jobs, just as Bamboo Marketing has been able to do thanks to this funding."

The Worcestershire Expansion Programme overall has seen £2,265,892 invested levering £13,789,205 from the private sector. The programme will safeguarded 103 existing jobs and created 240 new positions.