ENTREPRENEURS in the region's former coal mining areas can now apply for funding from the Coalfields Enterprise Fund, launched by Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott earlier this year. The fund has £10m available to encourage entrepreneurs to start businesses, help established companies expand and assist in the long-term regeneration and job creation in the UK's former coal mining areas. Companies at all stages of development can apply for grants, which range from £40,000 to £500,000. For details, go to www.coalfields-enterprise-fund.co.uk

GSM takeover: Manufacturing group GSM is expected to bring jobs to the region following the acquisition of one of its competitors. GSM Group, the UK's largest manufacturer of labels, nameplates and fascia products, bought Abbot Brown Limited. The Dorset company is expected to close, bringing 28 jobs to the region. GSM said it expected most of the jobs to be created at its Thirsk factory. The company runs five manufacturing plants in the UK, two of them in Yorkshire, in Thirsk and in Wetherby. The Thirsk factory supplies more than 2,000 customers.