A CIRCUIT board maker has been empowered thanks to the efforts of a local authority.

Cleveland Circuits, in Skelton Industrial Estate, experienced electrical supply problems when trying to power several new pieces of production equipment.

The equipment was expected to drive the future expansion of the company, but inadequate power supplies meant the company was unable to run the machinery.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, through its development department, successfully targeted the government's Energy for Enterprise fund, which will pay up to 50 per cent of the project costs, or £12,000, whichever is the lower, to solve a problem.

The company's £7,500 grant, designed to boost competitiveness by introducing energy improvements, will help to pay for a supply upgrade.

Andrew Gleghorn, managing director, said: "I was impressed by the tenacity of the council's efforts.

"Despite several disappointments, they continued to explore every avenue until they found a suitable source of funding and then continued to champion our cause until the grant was confirmed."

The council's cabinet member for economic development, Councillor Vera Moody, said: "This is an excellent example of how the department can work hand in hand with local industry."