UK Shared Prosperity Fund Business Support Programme Mid Cheshire event
Businesses from across west Cheshire have been invited to learn more about the newly launched West Cheshire UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) Business Support Programme. This Mid Cheshire focused event, hosted by FI Real Estate Management (FIREM) at its new Winnington Business Park site in Northwich, is an opportunity for businesses to speak to the delivery partners supporting the programme and check if their business would be eligible for support and a grant.
Visit the Let’s Talk Business website Events page to register for the 13 September event, 10.30am – 12noon, www.letstalkbizcw.co.uk.
The UKSPF Business Support Programme is a mix of support activities, one to one guidance and grants for eligible businesses.
- Start & Micro Project - 50 grants ranging from £500 - £2,500.
- Investor & High Growth Project - 15 match funded grants up to £20,000
- Workspace Project - Working with 10 workspace providers.
- Decarbonisation Project - 15 match funded grants ranging from £13,000 - £16,000.
- Innovation Project - 25 match funded grants ranging from £9,000 - £16,000.
FI Real Estate Management will also be offering tours of its £25 million 113,200 sq ft Winnington site, a mix of high-quality start-up, industrial and trade spaces. There will also be time for networking over a light lunch and refreshments.
Councillor Nathan Pardoe, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Regeneration and Digital Transformation said: “I’d like to thank FI Real Estate Management for hosting this Mid Cheshire event.
“The UKSPF business support programme is designed to support local business to increase productivity by creating the conditions for businesses to start-up, scale-up and innovate and to build a stronger business base which supports our sustainable and inclusive growth objectives. I’d encourage west Cheshire businesses to attend and learn how their business might be able to take advantage of the support and grants available through the programme.
“We will be offering new online resources soon including the Growth4Growth platform that will provide access to tools, support, training and guidance to help SMEs/VCSEs develop the practical skills needed to win work in the public sector. There will also be a Business Tapas platform which will provide easily digestible information, covering a range of topics, to help businesses make better informed decisions when starting and developing their business.
“The information will empower businesses to adopt what they’ve learnt easily into their business or enable them to have more informed conversations with other service providers. The website will also signpost users to additional third-party information that can help them progress ideas and grow their business.”
Tim Knowles, founder and Managing Director of FI Real Estate Management, added: “We’re passionate about advancing the business landscape in and around the North West. This is an excellent opportunity for businesses to connect with UKSPF delivery partners and I encourage local and regional businesses to attend the event to find out more. I look forward to welcoming attendees and showcasing our facilities at Winnington Business Park following our recent investment.”
Six months after its launch, Winnington Business Park is now 50 per cent committed, with 40 per cent let and a further 10 per cent under offer. Throughout August and September, FIREM is offering businesses one month’s free rent across its portfolio of office, industrial and retail spaces. This applies to a minimum lease term of three years and must reach legal completion before the offer expires.
The UKSPF Business Support Programme is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, supported by Cheshire West and Chester Council and delivery partners.
The UKSPF is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.
In addition to the UKSPF main programme, Cheshire West and Chester Council were allocated an additional £0.9m under the Rural England Prosperity Fund. The rural Plan was approved in April 2023 and is aligned to the main programme, with some small additional capital allocations for rural broadband and business growth.
Funding committed includes
• Revenue: 23/24 £1,001,709 and 24/25 revenue £927,465
• Capital £213,326
For more information on UK Shared Prosperity visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus
For more information about FI Real Estate Management: https://fi-rem.com/
