The West of England Partnership has recently announced a new
initiative to help rural communities in the area as part of the
South West of England Regional Development Agency's Rural
Renaissance programme.
The initiative will be managed by the West of England Rural
Renaissance Board which includes the following partner
organisations: Bath & North East Somerset Council (Accountable
Body for the scheme), South Gloucestershire Council, North Somerset
Council, Bristol City Council, the Learning and Skills Council,
Business West, community Action and a representative of the
Business sector.
The South West RDA is investing £1 Million in the scheme which
is designed to help rural communities in the West of England
influence and respond to the changing pressures facing the rural
economy. This investment will help to attract up to a further £1.7
million from a range of public, private and voluntary sector
partners. The funding is expected to provide support for a wide
variety of projects which will strengthen the rural economy. These
could be as diverse as supporting small and medium-sized businesses
in developing sectors such as food, tourism and the social economy,
the establishment of farm shops, addressing skill gaps in rural
communities and providing workspace to support these and other
activities.
The 3-year scheme is being delivered through the following
themes: Social Enterprise, Rural Tourism, Food Links, Rural
Enterprise, Skills & Training, and Workspace. Applications for
Expression of interest are currently being accepted with a closing
date in mid-October, a further call is likely to be made later in
the year. Organisations interested in applying should
contact Susan Bowen, Programme Manager on 01225 477278
or susan_bowen@bathnes.gov.uk
or
Rachael Duchnowski, BCP Regeneration Scheme Project Officer on
01225 477 or rachael_duchnowski@bathnes.gov.uk
for further details
Note: The West of England includes the Unitary Authorities of
Bath and North East Somerset Council, North Somerset Council, South
Gloucestershire Council and Bristol City Council. The rural areas
of the West of England are eligible for funding from this
programme.
Applicants outside the West of England in other areas of the
South West region, should apply to their local Rural Renaissance
programme in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Gloucestershire or
Wiltshire.
