West Acre new business highlights opportunity for European funding
Recipients of a European grant being used to set up a new venture at West Acre are urging others to apply now for some of the £2.8 million left in the funding pot.
The deadline for making bids for the so-called LEADER funding is fast approaching with expressions of interest needed by Thursday, September 27.
Duration Brewing was successful in applying for LEADER funding and will use its grant to prepare premises for its new start-up brewery in West Acre.
Miranda Hudson, of Duration Brewing, said: “Receiving LEADER funding is really helping us to establish a farmhouse brewery at West Acre, which will mean jobs and new industry for rural Norfolk and the restoration of a historic site.
"Our aim is to create a family venue where locals and tourists alike can come to learn about the brewing process enjoyably, over a beer, with stunning priory views.
“The LEADER team is helpful and approachable and the sums given if you’re successful are considerable. The application process does take some dedicated time and attention – but that only helps shape your strategy. The benefits are many and I’d strongly encourage people to apply for this generous fund before it dries up!”
The initiative, managed by Norfolk County Council, is there to assist businesses from rural Norfolk and north Suffolk.
This European ‘LEADER’ funding has been guaranteed by the UK government for all projects that are contracted by March 29, 2019. After expressions of interest are made, full applications will be needed by November 15.
Eligible projects need to deliver against individual Local Action Group area priorities and must support one or more of the following – increasing farm productivity; micro and small enterprises and farm diversification; rural tourism; provision of rural services; cultural and heritage activity; increasing forestry productivity.
Since Norfolk and north Suffolk’s LEADER programme started, the five LAGs (Brecks, Broads, Waveney Valley, Wensum and Coast and West Norfolk) have approved 112 projects and committed £5.3 of the £8.1m budget.
Cllr Barry Stone, chair of Norfolk County Council’s business and property committee, said: “We are still looking for exciting projects that make a real difference to the local rural economy and help create new jobs.
“Norfolk County Council is continuing to lobby government for funding solutions post March 2019, but in the meantime we want to make sure that businesses take advantage of their last chance to apply for the current LEADER funding available.”
