New year boost for businesses in south Shropshire

Press release from Southern Shropshire LEADER Programme

A new scheme aimed at boosting the rural economy in southern Shropshire will go live in January 2016.

The Southern Shropshire LEADER Local Action Group has secured £2.032 million of European funding through the LEADER Programme (2015-2020). LEADER is part of the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) and is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).

The money will be allocated to businesses, groups or organisations that can demonstrate a benefit to the local rural economy and a connection to the landscape. To be successful, applications must contribute to the creation of jobs or the development of businesses in the Southern Shropshire LEADER rural area.

Councillor Tim Barker, Chair of the Southern Shropshire Local Action Group, said:

“We are absolutely delighted to have secured funding for rural businesses operating throughout southern Shropshire and are confident that it will contribute towards a stronger and more sustainable rural economy. This programme is specifically targeted at smaller businesses and I would encourage anyone who might want to apply to either contact us or have a look at the Southern Shropshire LEADER programme website.”

The first call for applications for funding will take place in January 2016. Applications for support will be invited from the farming, forestry, tourism and micro/small businesses sectors and also for schemes that support rural services and cultural and heritage activities. Further calls for bids for support will be made throughout the duration of the programme which will close in 2020 .

To find out more about the Southern Shropshire LEADER programme or to discuss a potential project idea, please contact the LEADER Programme Manager at Shropshire Council on 01743 255067 or email pete.banford@shropshire.gov.uk.

For further details about the Southern Shropshire LEADER programme click here.