The Nottinghamshire Economic Development Capital Fund (NEDCF) — a £3 million scheme established in April of last year to boost economic growth and create jobs across the county — re-opened for bids on 7 January.

In 2014, about £1.5 million was provisionally allocated to 13 businesses, which had until the end of May to apply for funding.

So far, five of those firms have had their bids approved; they will receive grants ranging from £44,000 to £240,000.

They are expected to create a total of 50 jobs as a result of the funding, while safeguarding a further 230 jobs.

The NEDCF will now be open for bids until the remaining £1.5 million has been allocated.