Businesses in the leisure sector looking to grow in 2022 could be entitled to grants of up to £5,000

Stafford Borough Council has launched the scheme to help those eligible in the hospitality, tourism and leisure sector as part of a £1.6m pot to grow businesses following the impact of the pandemic. 

The council say the money will be given on a ‘first come first served’ basis and has been introduced to help their business community adapt and develop following the challenges of the pandemic. 

Venues from art galleries to pubs, and cinemas to hotels, are eligible to apply with the money able to be spent on a range of services such as marketing, website design, legal advice or to buy new equipment. 

A team of council business advisors will be on hand to help applicants as part of the process.? 

Since March 2020 the borough council has distributed more than £47 million to businesses who have struggled due to restrictions introduced to combat the spread of Covid-19. 

The latest round of funding is being delivered in phases across three sectors: 

• Borough residents looking to start up a business before April 2022 
• Those in the hospitality, tourism and leisure sector who have plans to develop and grow their businesses in 2022 
• To support businesses in rural areas planning to develop new products and services 

The latest phase got underway this week and has already attracted interest from several businesses in the hospitality and leisure sector. 

To find our more information about the scheme, and apply, go to Hospitality Tourism and Leisure Fund | Stafford Borough Council (staffordbc.gov.uk) 

The closing date for applications is 1 March 2022. 

Councillor Frances Beatty, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Planning, said this was an exciting new initiative to help businesses recover and thrive post-pandemic. She said:

“The hospitality, tourism and leisure sector has been hit incredibly hard with many just starting to turn the corner having done all they can to survive during the last 18 months. They have proved to be sustainable, adaptable, and with great ideas for future working - and we want to help make them a success. 

“This will be a partnership between business and council. They will receive free business advice as part of the application process because we want to ensure that the appropriate funding goes to the right places to deliver the best outcomes.” 

She added: “I am very pleased we are able to offer more financial support on the back of the many millions we have previously distributed to local businesses during some exceptionally challenging times since March of last year. And it has been wonderful to hear how this support has enabled some to create stronger business models than before.”

Richard Williams, Chief Executive of Stafford Showground Limited, said:

“This last year has been particularly difficult for our fantastic hospitality, tourism and leisure and they have had to survive the toughest of times. This announcement is great news and a very welcome boost, putting the sector in a better place to focus on activities to attract visitors back in 2022. The provision of additional funding will play a leading part in continuing to save local jobs and businesses.” 

For details of other funding and advice go to Business Recovery Grants | Stafford Borough Council (staffordbc.gov.uk)