A publisher behind a raft of Midlands titles has boosted its operations with the acquisition of a printing business.
The APP Group - based at Stoke-on-Trent - is behind a series of publications including Staffordshire Living, Staffordshire Homes Staffordshire Job Search.
Managing director Craig Rushton said the business had bought Stowes the Printers, also in Stoke, for an undisclosed sum.
The deal was backed by the North Staffordshire Risk Capital Fund (NSRCF) to the tune of £50,000. A NSRCF spokesman said the loan was part of an overall funding package, coordinated in conjunction with NatWest.
Mr Rushton said: "The acquisition of Stowes the Printers is an important element in the development of The APP Group.
"The loan was finalised with the minimum of delay and has also helped safeguard the livelihoods of the staff of Stowes, whose former owner is now working within the expanded group."
The Stowes operation employs nine people and the overall APP operation now employs 29, Mr Rushton said.
Arthur Bailey, chief executive of NSRCF, said: "We are pleased to be supporting this business. The APP Group is operating in a fast moving industry, and is run by a very experienced and capable management team. Their eye for commercial products and market trends means the company deserves to do very well."
The NSRCF aims to lend over £700,000 in 2006 and beyond. The initiative means companies starting up in North Staffordshire, and existing small businesses in the area, have been able to raise capital that has not been forthcoming from other sources.
In addition to lending, NSRCF can provide a dedicated adviser to help guide people through the pre-investment process
NSRCF Chairman, David Gage adds: "The Fund provides significant benefits to local businesses and may well help to retain employees' skills and talents in Staffordshire."
For more information on how to apply to the NSRCF, contact Arthur Bailey on: 01782 266408.
