BUSINESSES in Ammanford have been given a major boost with a grant of over £75,000 to grow the Amman Business Centre.

Carmarthenshire County Council approved the grant in November, making clear its commitment to supporting the local business community and economy.

Amman Business Centre, in Margaret Street, was set up in 2007 providing a range of professional office units and other business services including virtual offices and mail handling.

It is used by small to medium business enterprises in the locality, including companies that operate from home, who want office space and services without commitment.

Now, thanks to the council grant, almost 1,000 square foot of additional employment spaces is being created, providing 4.5 new job opportunities.

A new two-storey extension will create five new interview rooms, three general office suites as well as a new reception area and waiting area for clients.

Leader of the council, Cllr Emlyn Dole, who is responsible for regeneration and economic development, said: “The Amman Business Centre has been a huge success, and demand has grown to the point that it needed to extend.

“We’re pleased to be able to support the centre with this significant grant which will mean more businesses can benefit from the facilities, base themselves locally and play a part in the growth of the local economy. The extension of the centre will also support new jobs for local people,” he said.

“As a council we remain committed to supporting and transforming Ammanford and this is just one part of the jigsaw which we’re hoping to complete through our five-year plan.”

Richard Edwards, chair of Carmarthenshire Citizens Advice, welcomed the council’s initiative.

“It has given us the opportunity to relocate our Ammanford premises to a purpose built, access friendly, centrally located office,” he said.

“A 15-year lease shows our commitment to the town of Ammanford with a state of the art facility that we aspire to for our other offices in Carmarthen and Llanelli. We wish to thank our clients for their patience and support during the relocation and TRJ Builders for temporary office space.”