02/01/2014 - Permalink

Funding provides boost to Shropshire tourism businesses

Related topics: Community

Tourism businesses in Shropshire and Herefordshire have received investment of almost £300,000 in the last year thanks to the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Business Enterprise Fund, which is administered by Shropshire Council on behalf of Shropshire Council, Herefordshire Council, Staffordshire Council, and Telford and Wrekin Council. 

Through the Fund, tourism business grants of £117,000 have been awarded to businesses located in Shropshire and Herefordshire, including the recent award of £30,000 to eight businesses that are implementing projects ready for the new 2014 season. 

Match funding of £163,000 has been provided by the businesses, given a total investment of £280,000. 

Projects that have received funding have included:

  • The creation of 17 additional bedrooms in underused space within hotels, public houses, and bed and breakfast establishments
  • 11 camping Pods at five sites
  • Improvements to five campsites
  • Nine additional self catering units at four businesses. 

All are set to attract and retain visitors into the local area and boost the local economies. 

Sue Gregorry, owner of Greenway Touring and Glamping Park near Craven Arms, a grant recipient, said:

“The grant has helped us to create and install both the glamping (glamourous camping) pods and shower facilities on our park to a high standard.  We are delighted that already the glamping pods have gained VisitEngland accredited quality rating, and our guests are leaving excellent reviews online.” 

The Tourism Businesses Grants are open to all tourism businesses within the Shropshire and Herefordshire areas.  Grants of up to £5,000 are available, which need to be match-funded by the business. 

Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for business growth, said:

“It is fantastic that the Business Enterprise Fund has encouraged and assisted tourism businesses to invest £163,000 in their businesses, giving a total investment of £280,000 and creating additional beds and facilities to attract visitors into the area.  Tourism is a key to the economies in our region.  I would encourage any tourism businesses considering a capital project during 2014 to apply for this valuable funding.” 

The deadline for applying for the next round of grant funding in Shropshire is Monday 3 February 2014.  Contact Shropshire Council’s business and enterprise team on 01743 252596 for further details. 

For more information visit http://shropshire.gov.uk/business-support/funding-and-grants/business-enterprise-fund/ 

Further information 

The Business Enterprise Fund, is a £1.25m fund from the EU.  It was first launched in Shropshire and Herefordshire in October 2011.  Additional funds were secured in September 2013, when the fund was extended into Staffordshire, and the Telford & Wrekin Council area. 

The fund holds regular bidding rounds within the four council areas. The fund is available until December 2014, with £580,000 currently available. 

The fund is for capital projects, and is open to all businesses within the above areas who operate a Business to Business model, and tourism business.  Minimum projects are £2,000, paying a grant of £1,000, with maximum grants of £5,000.