A specialist craft book bindery in Shipley has secured a second grant from the Shipley Towns Fund.
R Grech Binding is run by binder and print maker Roger Grech and is based on Wharfe Street. All work is carried out by hand and is highly-specialised and includes edition binding and fine binding.
The grant of £1,943, alongside investment from the business, will enable Roger to purchase a new foil blocking machine.
Roger said: “This is specialised printing equipment which allows us to press metallic or pigmented foil onto surfaces to create textured or coloured finishes. It will increase my productivity and ultimately capacity for business.
“Bookbinding is a skilled art form and I use traditional methods to get the results my clients hope to achieve. There is still a market for people who treasure books and the artistry involved and I’m very proud of our reputation since starting in 2020.”
Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, transport and planning, councillor Alex Ross-Shaw said: “Money from the Shipley Towns Funds Capital Grants scheme has so far been spent on a wide-range of projects such as expanding and modernising premises, as well as replacing older machinery and equipment with more efficient, up-to-date systems.
“It’s fascinating to hear about businesses like Roger’s which are so specialised and which are keeping traditional crafts alive. He has been able to access a grant for a second time and we’re delighted to be able to support such an interesting local business.”
Chair of Shipley Towns Fund, Gill Thornton, added: “Shipley has a thriving business community and it is fantastic to see businesses benefit from the support. These grants are providing businesses with a catalyst to invest and grow and they are still available. I urge local businesses planning capital investment to contact the team to see how they can help.”
Grants from £1,500 to £315,000 are still available for businesses within – or looking to move to – the Shipley Towns Fund area.
The funding is available for start-ups, small, medium-sized and large businesses and can be used to expand, increase productivity, create a new business, safeguard existing jobs and create new ones. The funding is available up to March 2026.
