A new £10 million Hospitality Grant Scheme has launched to support independent pubs, restaurants and cafés over the next three years.
The funding will support projects including new hospitality ventures, the redevelopment of vacant premises and training programmes designed to help people develop skills and access careers within the sector.
The scheme follows an earlier pilot which supported a range of projects across hospitality.
One beneficiary, non-profit organisation The Right Course, used pilot funding to transform two prison staff restaurants and kitchens into hospitality training facilities, providing inmates with practical experience in a working environment designed to replicate the high street.
The Hospitality Sector Council and innovation specialist L Marks have also worked with hospitality businesses and technology companies to identify ways of improving productivity and reducing operating costs.
Minister for the Future of Work Kate Dearden said: “Hospitality venues are where communities come together and where many people get their first experience of work. They create jobs and help our towns and neighbourhoods to thrive.
“This funding will back local businesses to grow, boost opportunities for people across the UK and support growth in every part of the country.”
Of the overall funding, £3 million has been earmarked for Pub is The Hub, the independent non-profit organisation supporting pubs in rural and deprived communities.
The organisation helps publicans diversify their businesses by introducing additional services and activities including village shops, community cafés, play areas and arts and crafts programmes.
The Government said the funding is intended to recognise hospitality’s role in local economies and communities, including its position as a major provider of first-job opportunities and career development.
Jane O’Riordan, Co-Chair of the Hospitality Sector Council, said: “We welcome the launch of this grant scheme, which builds on a successful pilot and demonstrates what can be achieved when government and industry work together.
“The flexible funding will help support innovative projects that boost productivity and sustainability, create opportunities for young people and those furthest from the labour market, and deliver the shared priorities of the Hospitality Sector Council and the wider sector.”
John Longden OBE, Chief Executive of Pub is The Hub, said: “Access to this new support from the Hospitality Grant Scheme is warmly welcomed as it will help inspire local publicans to diversify to create much needed local services and activities in their rural, remote or deprived areas.
“This funding will help give long-term certainty to publicans to create new services and activities in their pubs which will deliver a wider social value and create a foundation for well-being in their local areas.”
The scheme follows wider government measures intended to support hospitality businesses, including changes to business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues.
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Experience Hospitality Service Robotics Live in Action at Robot Week
Hospitality and catering operators can explore emerging technology at Robot Week in London, with dedicated sessions on 9 and 10 September demonstrating robotics across food and drink service, coffee, cooking, cleaning and back-of-house operations.
Experience hospitality service robotics live in action at Robot Week
Registration is free and places are available in hourly slots.
Register for Robot Week
