Forest of Dean Growth Hub allocated £79k from UKSPF

By Sam Pither

28 March 2023

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The Forest of Dean Growth Hub has been allocated £79,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

The funding, which has been allocated by the Forest of Dean District Council, will be used to support local businesses and create new jobs.

Cabinet member for the Economy, Bernie O’Neill said: “Job creation and business support is a core priority for the Council. We are committed to supporting the brilliant businesses already here in the Forest; but it’s also important to support new start-ups and to attract new businesses and inward investment to the area.

“The Growth Hub is an invaluable resource for supporting and growing businesses, providing advice, signposting and events that help them to grow. This support is vital if we are to create good quality, long-term and sustainable employment opportunities for people locally.”

The Growth Hub, which opened in Mitcheldean in October 2021, offers workspace, free business support and events for local businesses. The funding, provided via year two (23/24) and year three (24/25) of the UKSPF, will promote Growth Hub activity, help businesses grow and create more jobs in the Forest of Dean.

Sarah Danson, Director of Strategic Growth at GFirst LEP said: “I am delighted that Forest of Dean District Council will be supporting Growth Hub activity as part of their UKSPF fund.

“The Growth Hub is an essential asset for local businesses and our proven track record of success means we are trusted and valued by Gloucestershire’s business community. We look forward to continuing to work with SMEs in The Forest of Dean and helping their businesses to grow.”

The district will receive £1 million from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund across three years. In the first year, £119,000 will be allocated and indicative funding is £240,000 for the second year and £641,000 for the final year.

By Sam Pither

Sam is the Regional Editor of Biz News, responsible for both Hampshire and Dorset.

A new recruit to journalism, Sam started writing for the Business Magazine as a freelancer in May of 2022 after completing his degree in English at University College London. His passion for local businesses and ability to tell a story soon caught the attention of the publication’s management team and have led to his meteoric rise.

Sam, who lives in central Reading, takes a particular interest in technology, gaming and food and drink, having been a chef before starting his degree.