Cllr Marion Atkinson, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills, met with representatives from ODL Europe, Presidential Travel and Everton Glass Works who are all based in and around Bootle.

A trio of businesses in Sefton have increased trade and created jobs in the borough, thanks to European-funded support delivered through Invest Sefton and Sefton@Work.

Cllr Marion Atkinson, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills, met with representatives from ODL Europe, Presidential Travel and Everton Glass Works who are all based in and around Bootle.

ODL manufactures window cassettes, enclosed blinds and screen doors.

Significant investment over the last few years has seen job numbers increase from 13 to 27 and the firm works closely with Sefton@Work to provide employment to local residents.

It has further expanded its premises in a bid to increase turnover over the next three years. The company is working closely with Invest Sefton’s export arm in a bid to grow its European sales to around 10-15% of its total.

During the visit by Cllr Atkinson, Mark Towners, ODL Europe managing director, told her about the company’s plans to recruit a further three new apprentices.

Next up was Presidential Travel, a coach and bus operator based on the Kingfisher Business Park.

Established in 2008, Presidential is the approved supplier to public agencies in the Liverpool city region, including Sefton Council, schools and NHS.

The company, which has operates its own in house training facility, has worked closely with Invest Sefton through participating in tendering workshops, supplier days and chest training as in a bid to help win more business.

The final site visit of the day was at EG Ceramics, formerly known as Everton Glass Works.

Established in 1964, the business sells ceramic tiles, wallpaper, bathrooms and doors, operating from a shop in Anfield and a large warehouse with two showrooms in Bootle.

The company re-branded as EG and invested heavily in e-commerce following a slowdown in the construction industry due to the recession and now services trade across the UK.

Cllr Atkinson said: “Part of the Sefton 2030 Vision is ensuring that everybody knows that Sefton is open for business but it is also vitally important we continue to support those already operating within the borough.

“Invest Sefton has shown great expertise in supporting these businesses leading to increased growth and new job creation.

They also have a unique offer in Sefton@Work which can support residents finding employment. I urge any Sefton business seeking to grow to get in touch with the team.”