Rural businesses urged to apply for funding

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Friday, 6 December, 2019 - 10:00 to 12:30

Rural businesses urged to apply for funding

Organiser

Warwickshire County Council
  • £35million funding available nationally for rural businesses
  • Coventry and Warwickshire companies urged to attend two free workshops to gain help with their application
  • Funding will create jobs, boost tourism and unlock growth in rural areas

Rural businesses across Coventry and Warwickshire are urged to attend two free workshops to gain help in applying for a share of £35 million of nationwide funding.

The RDPE Growth Programme provides grants for rural start-ups and businesses to purchase equipment and machinery to create jobs, boost tourism and unlock growth in rural areas.

The scheme has already given £99 million to 546 local businesses across England, creating 3,771 new jobs in rural areas.

Rural business in Warwickshire have so far been allocated £2.6 million from the two previous rounds of the scheme as Warwickshire partners ensured that the full allocation of available funding was taken up.

Businesses to have benefited include Southam-based micro-business Silson Ltd who added 260 sqm of usable space to their building at Insight Park which enabled the high-tech manufacturing firm to employ more staff and generate more orders across the globe.

Hill Farm Leisure near Henley-in-Arden created a new visitor attraction at a marina on the Stratford Canal. ‘The View’ farm diversification project offers walkers and cyclists as well as boaters a place to eat, drink and enjoy the countryside and provides space for conferences, functions and meetings.

ICM, a shop-fitting company in Stratford, was able to install much-needed automation into their manufacturing cell and Cotswold Distillery was able to build a new Visitor Centre.

The new round of funding also gives business in the food processing sector the opportunity to apply for grants. The RDPE Growth programme is aimed at businesses in rural areas but, depending on the activity, some food companies in urban areas may also be eligible to apply. The criteria for business development and rural tourism projects remain the same.

Two free workshops have been organised to help businesses with their applications and provide the opportunity to discuss possible projects with the Rural Payments Agency’s Rural Development Team as well as receive information about other business support programmes in the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership area.

The workshops will be held at the Wellesbourne Campus of the University of Warwick in Wellesbourne between 10am and 12.30pm on Friday, December 6 and at Lea Marston Hotel in Lea Marston, Sutton Coldfield, from 2pm to 4.30pm on Monday, December 9.

Sean Farnell, chair of the CWLEP SME business group and CWLEP board director, said: “This is a great opportunity for businesses in the rural sector which is facing many challenges because of the uncertainty of Brexit to apply for a grant to diversify or expand.

“The CWLEP is one of the best performing areas in terms of the amount of RDPE Growth funding that has been allocated and I would urge businesses to attend the workshops to receive free help in completing their application forms.”

Warwickshire County Council strategic director for communities Mark Ryder said: “Warwickshire County Council is committed to supporting the rural economy and we are delighted that this round of funding has become available. This scheme is targeted very much at the businesses which are the bedrock of the rural community.

“I encourage all businesses to get in touch to see if they can benefit from this funding.”

The Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) Growth programme is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development which is part of the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF).

For information on the grants and how to apply, visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/rdpe-growth-programme

For information about the range of business support available including help with applying for the RDPE Growth grants, contact Coventry and Warwickshire LEP Growth Hub on 0300 060 3747. The deadline for expressions of interest is Sunday, February 16.

To book a free place on the workshops, visit https://rdpewellesbourne.eventbrite.co.uk and https://rdpeleamarston.eventbrite.co.uk

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Client testimonials

Without the Growth Hubs help and assistance, we would never have been able to increase our sales & output and also grow our local business. With this help in purchasing new equipment we have expanded our operations and gained a new and increased customer base.

Nuneaton Roof Truss,

Over the past few years, Armstrongs has built up a fantastic relationship with Gary Thyeson from the Growth Hub. His advice on grants and funding has been really valuable to both Armstrongs and some of our clients. His knowledge of local business support has been helpful in signposting us to relevant support agencies as required. We look forward to working with Laura Delahunty moving forwards.

Armstrongs Accountancy LTD,

In the short time since first engaging with the Warwickshire Growth Hub we feel that Laura has understood our vision and has been so very supportive in linking us to the specialist teams who are now supporting us with training, finance and recruitment. A great service that every growing organisation should connect with

MES Systems Limited,

I have had an excellent experience working with Laura from the Growth Hub, from day one, she was taking detailed attention to my concerns and ideas. She was able to put me in contact with different organisations and people to find out answers to my questions and help me to solve some inquiries I was having. I feel this support definitely had a positive impact in my plans. 

 

PALACIOS LTD,

It’s been a fantastic inaugural eight months for the TalentTech Recruitment team and, although the reality of setting up and running a company can be a somewhat daunting experience, we have been extremely grateful for the superb help, advice and guidance given to us along our journey by Gavin Barnett and the team at CW Growth Hub. Gavin’s introductions to both Warwick & Coventry Universities and his wider business network have been absolutely invaluable.

TalentTech Recruitment LTD,

For many individuals out there, it is very hard to figure out ways and know which direction to go when it comes to setting up a business. The challenges of taking your idea and bringing it to life and not knowing where to go and who to speak to for advice. it can get very frustrating..

King of Saffron LTD,

This grant [which we received with the help of the Growth Hub and Coventry City Council] will really help us get on track for business growth and succeed with our vision. Personally, I would also like to thank the team for supporting me through the grant application process. You have been very approachable and attentive throughout.

Exeter Analytical (UK) Limited,

Thank you for the comprehensive and professional guidance

Burbidge & Son Ltd,

Over the years since the Growth Hub was set up we have habitually gone to our Account Manager as a one-stop shop for all business-related information.  It has been a really convenient way of finding suppliers, advisors and, on one occasion, we even asked for assistance with finding customers.  We are invited to a wide range of business events including business development workshops, Brexit roundtable discussions, seminars on various topics and have also been asked to speak at some events.  When we have needed additional information, for example, finding finance sources or help with selecti

Marchantcain Design Limited,

Thanks to CW Growth hub getting us access to grant funding we have been able to invest in the latest computer monitoring system, which will enable us to compete with the national companies within our industry.

Comrie Leisure Limited,

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