Over £300k awarded to community projects and local businesses through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Melton Borough Council has announced the successful recipients of the latest round of Community and Business Grants. 

Over £333,935.00 has been awarded to business and community groups in Melton, enhancing the communities across the borough and allowing local businesses and community groups to flourish. 

These grants formed part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), and Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) received in 2023 as part of the UK Government initiative to enhance opportunities within communities. 

Leader of the Council Cllr Pip Allnatt, stated that “The Council remains committed to supporting local endeavours and is eager to see the positive impacts these grants will bring. With a strong focus on collaboration and sustainability, the residents within the borough continue to pave the way for a vibrant and thriving community and these grants highlight a small number of these initiatives within the area.” 

Business Grants 

In this round, 29 applications were successful, amounting to a total of £180,114. There were 55 applications submitted, and if all had been approved, the funding required would have reached over £324,000. 

The business grants support pre-start, start-up and established businesses with growth aspirations and were awarded borough wide. Projects are supporting the retail, hospitality, manufacturing, and creative industries, amongst others. 

A multitude of successful businesses have received funding from the council including £9500 for a new construction company which is creating an online learning platform, providing training and support for small businesses in the construction industry. In addition, a new town centre pub will receive £7500 to buy kitchen equipment, creating several job opportunities and will potentially attract more visitors to the area. The scheme has also awarded £9547 to enable a well-established company to build the first Tier 3 Data Centre in Melton Mowbray. This facility will enhance the local business environment and support technological growth in the community.

Community Grants 

This financial year, 29 applications were received for Community Grants totalling £303,753 in funding requests for local projects.  

19 of these projects have been awarded grant funding, covering a range of organisations from village hall groups, charities to sports clubs with a total of £153,821 being awarded to support these local projects across the Borough. 

The council were able to support an array of different projects, which include Long Clawson Village Hall and Recreation Ground who received £20,000 to replace play park equipment and introduce a fitness trail for local residents. The scheme has also awarded £4,000 to Melton Mencap to provide equipment and resources for their Gateway sessions, aiding adults with additional needs and learning disabilities. Melton In Bloom received funding for two separate projects improving on their sensory garden and woodland corner projects which will be accessible to all residents of Melton.  

Across both schemes, each grant recipient demonstrated a strong commitment to meeting the criteria within the schemes available and will enhance either community life or business innovation within the borough.  

You can view the full decision notice, and more information about where the grants have been spent by visiting www.melton.gov.uk/GrantsDecisionNotice2025  

~ends~ 

For more information please contact: communications@melton.gov.uk 

Additional Information: 

The UK Shared Prosperity Fun 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.   

For more information visit- 

www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus