Tata Steel subsidiary UK Steel Enterprise has pledged support for new enterprises in Caerphilly - for the fifth year in a row.

The Business Start-Up programme, funded jointly by Tata Steel subsidiary UK Steel Enterprise and Caerphilly County Borough Council, has provided start-up grants to 64 businesses and created 79 jobs since its launch in 2014.

The scheme has a high success rate with 86 per cent of start-ups trading two years after launching.

Recent start-ups include a ‘cat hotel’, a men's clothing merchandiser, a web design and photography business and a hair stylist, and many other new ventures.

Martin Palmer, of UK Steel Enterprise, said: “The programme goes from strength to strength and we are very pleased to work with Caerphilly County Borough Council to help new businesses get off the ground.

“It is vital that these businesses get help at the right time to turn ideas into reality. This is good for businesses involved and in the wider context of economic development.”

One of the businesses which has been helped is Activemen Clothing, launched by Dayle Parfitt. The firm is an online retailer offering an outlet for brands unable to get onto the high street.

He said: “There are many excellent brands that can’t get into the large high-street retailers due to exclusive rights, and are unable to open their own shops due to business rates and high rents.

“Activemen Clothing sources high quality, new brands from around the world and sells them online.”

Claire Vokes, of Caerphilly County Borough Council, said the Business Start-up programme continued to play an important role in launching new businesses.

The flexible scheme is designed to help residents of Caerphilly county borough set up a full-time business for the first time, if they are not able to access any other source of funding. The funding is a discretionary grant and can provide up to 50% of eligible project costs to a maximum of £500.

Business start-ups from all business sectors are considered, provided the business is based in Caerphilly county borough.

Eligible costs can include capital equipment, ICT equipment, development of websites, marketing and building works within the business premises.

Caerphilly Council cabinet member responsible for the economy Sean Morgan said: “It has been very helpful in stimulating the local economy and has created a significant number of jobs, as well as adding to the services available in the community. We are very happy to give our continued support to the scheme.”