Thames Valley: Rural businesses can access funds to boost job creation

Rural businesses across the Thames Valley Berkshire LEP area can now access £720,000 of funding being made available to grow companies and create jobs in rural communities. The LEP is inviting owners of new and established businesses based in rural Berkshire to find out more about how they can apply for a share of the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).

If your company is rurally-based and requires funding to develop and grow, this EAFRD funding could be a significant step towards achieving your plans. We are inviting applications for capital investments to create jobs and grow rural micro and small businesses in the Thames Valley Berkshire LEP area.

Priority will be given to projects that:

• implement new technologies, processes or equipment to improve productivity
• allow farm businesses to diversify into non-agricultural activities
• construct and develop workshops, factories and other premises and facilities where there is clear evidence of need and demand

There is also specific funding for businesses that will develop and grow tourism in rural areas through infrastructure, attractions, events, festivals and high quality accommodation.

TVB LEP is hosting an information event in conjunction with the Department of Food, Environment and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) on Tuesday March 14 from 9am-1.30pm at The Green Park Conference Centre, Reading. There will be short presentations to explain various grant funding available from DEFRA and from the local LEADER Programmes. There will also be opportunities to talk face to face about your plans with fund representatives.

Tim Smith, chief executive of TVB LEP, commented: “This event is an excellent opportunity for businesses based in rural Berkshire to understand how they can apply for EAFRD funding and how this can help grow their business.”

EAFRD is part of the government’s Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) Growth Programme.

This latest round of £120 million of national funding was announced earlier this month by Environment Secretary Andrea Leadsom at the Oxford Farming Conference. Overall the RDPE will help protect 2.5 million hectares of farmed land, create 6,750 rural jobs and contribute to planting of 11 million trees.