FIVE new jobs have been created at a Redhill business thanks to a £50,000 grant.
A scheme helping deliver growth in the country's most economically important areas has handed out £2.2 million to firms in the South East.
One of these companies is Respirex, which will use the money for the research and development of a new range of protective footwear.
The firm, which makes personal respiratory protection in suits and other clothing, as well as boots, will also use the grant to test new footwear and for a new electrical testing machine.
In total, more than 300 new jobs at 39 businesses will be created from the grants awarded by the Coast to Capital Business Growth Grant scheme.
To be successful, applicants needed to demonstrate how their proposals would increase employment, and they must already have been rejected by other funding sources.
Coast to Capital chairman Tim Wates said: "The first year of awarding business growth grants has emphasised the important role that small and medium-sized businesses play in our local economy.
"I've been really pleased to see the impact the grants are already having and I look forward to seeing other projects becoming a reality in the near future."