Derby-based JB Engineering (Hatton) has received a £112,000 grant to update its workshop and invest in new equipment. The family-owned company, which was established in 1971 and specialises in steel fabrication and laser profiling, has embarked on a £500,000 improvement programme that will enable it to increase its workforce from 17 to 21 in the coming year, with further expansion planned in 2015.

The £20 million Derby Enterprise Growth Fund, which is supported by the Regional Growth Fund and run by Derby City Council, provided the backing. Council regeneration chief Richard Williams said: “Derby and the surrounding area have a wealth of small and medium-size manufacturing businesses that continue to thrive.

"They are vital links in the wider manufacturing supply chain, but they need additional investment to update their equipment in order to grow and create more jobs for local people.”