UKSPF funding supported two Shrewsbury projects that recently led to the town receiving two nominations for a national award.

Shrewsbury was shortlisted twice in this year’s prestigious Visa Let’s Celebrate Towns Awards. Two projects: ‘Work in Shrewsbury’ and ‘Shrewsbury Moves’ were entered by Shrewsbury’s Business Improvement District (BID) and Shropshire Council on behalf of the Big Town Plan Partnership (BTPP), in 2 categories and made the shortlist in both.

‘Work in Shrewsbury’ received nearly £450,000 of UKSPF funding. This enabled a variety of support to be offered to businesses in Shrewsbury including training, business growth grants and expert masterclasses in Shrewsbury.

E-bikes supplied by the Shrewsbury Moves project

UKSPF Funding for the ‘Shrewsbury Moves’ project, received over £300,000 of capital funding. Among other initiatives, it supported the development of an eBike subscription service, eCargo bikes for businesses, and a new river shuttle service, all designed to enable residents and businesses to use active modes of transport more often.

Matt Potts, Service Manager for Economy, Funding and Skills at Shropshire Council and a Board Director of Shrewsbury BID, said,

“It is extremely satisfying to see the success of these projects and have them recognised at national level.  Without UKSPF, funding initiatives like this in the county would simply not be possible.

“The Economy, Funding and Skills team at the Council is dedicated to securing funding and collaborating with partners like the Shrewsbury BID and the BTPP to support innovative projects that generate substantial and sustainable economic benefits. “

Seb Slater, Executive Director of Shrewsbury BID, said:

“We have an ambitious ten-year strategy for Shrewsbury, and UKSPF funding has proved essential in both implementing and advancing our vision for the town.”

Councillor Rob Wilson, Shrewsbury Town Council leader and representative on the Big Town Plan Partnership Board, said,

“These projects in Shrewsbury have been recognised nationally but UKSPF funding has benefitted numerous towns, organisations, businesses and individuals across the county.

“Accessing funding like this and proactively seeking to work collaboratively with key organisations means that we can still achieve positive change despite the current financial challenges.”

Further information

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) is a fund allocated by the UK government and managed by local authorities in partnership with local stakeholders. Its purpose is to replace the funding previously provided by Europe and to address inequalities between communities.

The overarching objective of the fund is to build pride in place and increase life chances. The programme includes 3 investment priorities:

• Supporting Local Business
• Community and Place
• People and Skills

The awards for the Shrewsbury projects spanned the Supporting Local Business and Community & Place priorities

Recently, Shropshire was awarded a further £1,431,774 capital and £2,892,904 revenue funding for 2025/6 enabling many of the projects and initiatives to continue for another year.

For more information about the fund see https://www.investinshropshire.co.uk/relocating-and-investing/uk-shared-prosperity-fund/

For more information about the projects supported by the fund in Shropshire see https://www.investinshropshire.co.uk/uk-shared-prosperity-projects/

For further information on the Shrewsbury Projects please see:

www.workinshrewsbury.co.uk

www.shrewsburymoves.com