Kick-starting Tourism Package: New £5,000 grants available for Northumberland businesses - here's how to apply

Small businesses in Northumberland could benefit from £5,000 grants as part of a £10million new Kick-starting Tourism Package.
Evening light at DunstanburghEvening light at Dunstanburgh
Evening light at Dunstanburgh

Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government, Simon Clarke, announced on Friday, July 3, that the new funding will be distributed to communities ‘immediately’ to kick-start tourism in time for the summer, as part of the Government’s drive to boost the recovery of the economy.

It will give small businesses in tourist destinations grants of up to £5,000 to help them adapt their businesses following the coronavirus pandemic, using money from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

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Businesses can use the funding to pay for specialist professional advice such as HR, legal or financial expertise, to adopt new technology and online systems or to purchase new equipment. 100 per cent of the money will come from the Government with no obligation for businesses to contribute financially.

Tourism Minister Nigel Huddleston said: “Our tourism sector is hugely important – creating jobs, supporting businesses and driving local economies in villages, towns and cities across the country.

“It is vital that we help the sector bounce back and give it the platform to recover when it reopens from (July 4).

“This fund will help many small businesses in tourism destinations and with the infrastructure investment brought forward will provide a further boost for jobs and growth.”

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Funding will be allocated to each Local Growth Hub based on how much of their employment base is linked to tourism and hospitality businesses. This means that coastal and rural areas – with a bigger proportion of their economy focused on tourism, hospitality and allied sectors – will get a larger share of the funds.

The North East Growth Hub is delivered by the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) – northeastgrowthhub.co.uk

The fund was announced at the annual conference of the Local Government Association (LGA), which represents councils.

Coun Gerald Vernon-Jackson, chairman of the LGA’s culture, tourism and sport board, said: “We are pleased that the Government recognises the important role that tourism plays in boosting the UK economy and that it has provided this much-needed funding.

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“Councils are best-placed to boost visitor economies and are trying to find innovative ways of supporting culture and heritage.

“Many businesses will also need ongoing access to the Government’s support packages until they can return to profitability next summer.”

Last week, Northumberland County Council launched a dedicated support hub for tourism and hospitality businesses to provide advice, guidance and support.

The hub, which will initially operate until the end of July, can be contacted by email to [email protected]

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