Newark and Sherwood businesses benefit from more than £375,000 in grant funding

Businesses throughout the district are making big developments and expanding their commercial ventures, thanks to more than £375,000 in funding.

With the support of Newark and Sherwood District Council, businesses gained access to vital grant funding opportunities via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF), to give them the boost they need to grow and thrive.

Over 70 businesses have collectively received more than £375,000 in grant funding from the two pots throughout 2023 and 2024, to help their businesses to take the next step, diversify or improve their environmental impact and sustainability.

In addition, a further £1million is committed through UKSPF and REPF to support the area’s businesses and visitor economy, including providing enterprises with fully-funded specialised training, access to one-on-one advisory services, workshops, as well as investment in town centre regeneration and enterprise infrastructure.

Grants to businesses were awarded through themed competitive rounds, and all current funds have now been distributed

The funding has supported a variety of projects, including expansion of event venues, leisure and hospitality sites, the purchase of key production and manufacturing equipment, solar panel and energy efficiency solutions, and purchases to help businesses improve processes or enhance productivity.

Among the successful grant recipients is The Sherwood Food and Drink Company, based in Hockerton, which received funding through REPF towards the purchase of key manufacturing and production equipment to support the scale up of its oat-based milkshake business, Devoated.

The project safeguarded two jobs, supported the future recruitment of one job, introduced new products to market, and introduced new processes to the firm to help significantly grow the business.

The owner of Devoated, Oliver Christy, said: "The Rural England Prosperity grant funding has been instrumental and essential in enabling us scale up our operations and support our business plan... we have been able to fit out our unit and purchase equipment much quicker than we would have otherwise been able to do.”

Norwood Park, events venue and golf course, Southwell, also benefitted from funding, which supported the site to install electric vehicle chargers.

Chief executive of Norwood Park. Tim Eatherington, said: “The EV chargers are a great addition to our facilities, as they allow us to accommodate more customers and guests, and also encourage them to use greener modes of transport.

“The grant funding from UKSPF has been very helpful in making this project possible."