Small grants made a big difference to Shropshire businesses, helping them create jobs, launch new products, improve productivity and plan for further growth.

Through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) Small Equipment Grant Scheme, businesses received between £2,000 and £10,000 to invest in new equipment or improve their premises.

Follow-up work with grant recipients shows how targeted investment has helped businesses turn practical improvements into measurable results.

Across a range of sectors, businesses have reported stronger sales, increased productivity, new product development and the confidence to expand.

In Shrewsbury, Anthony Lewis Ltd, maker of homemade kitchens and furniture, used its grant to buy a mitre guillotine, briquette machine and bandsaw. The new equipment has cut manufacturing times and helped the business turn waste wood shavings into briquettes for heating (pictured right). This has created both a new product and a new income stream, while supporting the creation of an additional job.

Owner Anthony Dargue, said:

“The grant has made a tremendous difference to us and has enabled us to make real and positive changes in the business.”

Caviar & Cocktails also from Shrewsbury has also grown significantly since receiving support. The business has launched 17 new products, with more planned later this year, and has expanded its range to almost 30 product options through new gift set combinations. This growth has helped the company recruit new staff in sales, marketing and leadership roles, with further recruitment planned.

Alison McKenzie from Caviar & Cocktails said:

“This is a significant increase in our staffing numbers and has been made possible due to the strong business growth which has resulted from the grant award.”

The visitor economy has also benefited. The Spinney Luxury Glamping near Bishops Castle (pictured left) used its grant funding to invest in a new glamping unit, creating full-time and part-time jobs and helping the business meet growing visitor demand. It is now planning to add a fifth lodge.

Scott Higgins from The Spinney Luxury Glamping said:

“ We’ve enjoyed great success since opening in August 2024 and, with the added boost of a grant award, which helped to increase and improve our current product offer, we are looking to add yet another lodge this autumn.”

Councillor Alex Wagner, Deputy Leader of Shropshire Council and Cabinet Member for Transport and Economic Growth, said:

“The results from these businesses speak for themselves. Relatively small grants have helped companies create jobs, launch new products, expand their operations and invest for the future. Unfortunately, this funding has now come to an end and, to date, has not been replaced. That means fewer opportunities for rural businesses to access the kind of practical support that has delivered real benefits across Shropshire.

It just proves that we need continued investment in rural economies if we are to help more businesses achieve the same success.”

Notes to Editors

The Small Equipment Grant Scheme was funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and provided grants of between £2,000 and £10,000 to eligible businesses across Shropshire to purchase new equipment or make improvements to business premises

The Small Equipment Grant Scheme formed part of the wider Rural England Prosperity Fund programme, which provided almost £2.9 million for rural economic development projects across Shropshire between 2023 and 2026.