Abingdon-based Croft Associates, which makes bespoke containers for radioactive waste, has secured credit facilities from Santander’s Breakthrough banking programme for small businesses. The Oxfordshire company will use the money to expand its premises and develop a new container.

Chief executive Clive Beattie said: “We are currently in an exciting period of transition and growth. Over the last couple of years, we have made a significant investment in R&D to pursue substantial new market opportunities. Santander’s growth-capital package is a way of mixing traditional debt funding with flexible investment finance. The bank’s efforts to properly understand our business and assess the risks involved have led to a close working relationship.”