IT might be a long walk from Worcestershire to the beach, but county companies are being urged to take advantage of the growing offshore wind market.

The GROW:OffshoreWind service is giving them the chance to tap into two fast-track funding calls worth a combined £4.5m to help them exploit opportunities from sea wind. The first call, which is supported by programme partner RenewableUK, is valued at up to £2.5m and has been directed to support small and medium sized companies with their capital investment plans. Through partnership with the Knowledge Transfer Network and Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, a second fast-track fund totalling £2m has also been made available to help firms large and small accelerate their investment in innovation projects. Both calls are seeking applications from Worcestershire companies which can utilise this funding over the next six months. Applications will be assessed on their ability to create jobs and develop market presence in the offshore wind supply chain, with "expression of interest" applications to be submitted by October 15. Successful applicants will be required to have substantively completed their projects by April 30 next year.

“We are excited about the potential of both calls to help us connect with more Worcestershire companies and fast track their investment plans,” said Dominic Brown, head of GROW:OffshoreWind. By streamlining the approvals process, the calls will enable firms to commence their investment plans by early November, ensuring they are in the best possible position to take advantage of the opportunities that are out there. Up to £500k of grant funding is available for successful applicants, which can be used to support a wide variety of project costs.”