The second round of the Government’s £1.4 billion Regional Growth Fund (RGF) will support 119 bids from businesses and local partnerships with projects to expand their operations, create new jobs and attract private investment. Discussions are ongoing with a further 10 bidders about their projects.

Of the 201,000 jobs created or protected, around 37,000 will be directly created jobs, and more than 164,000 will be in the supply chain. The Government investment will support nearly £6 billion of private investment secured by the successful projects.

The RGF is a £1.4bn fund which is designed to encourage enterprise, growth and jobs in the private sector and support areas and communities that are dependent on the public sector. An expected 326,000 jobs will be created and safeguarded thanks to the fund.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said: "I am delighted to be able to announce this boost to business, which will jump start growth and create jobs that last in the places that really need it. This targeted support for businesses across the country allows them to expand and create jobs. It unlocks private sector investment – with at least £5 put in for every £1 of public money.

"People in the rest of Britain have been let down for far too long by governments in thrall to one Square Mile of it. The first pot of Regional Growth Fund money is already making a difference across the country - helping to rebalance our economy so that every region and sector benefits."

Some of the successful bids include:

- Research and development project to investigate the introduction of a new engine into the Bentley model range with a focus on the Chinese market.

- A project to stimulate investment, employment and economic growth in Bradford city centre by incentivising investment in and speeding up delivery of Westfield Bradford and the Central Business District.

A breakdown of the total bids received is available on the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) website at www.bis.gov.uk/policies/economic-development/regional-growth-fund