3. Pitching for Council Business

Networking Clubs Changes

The clubs are moving towards a more discussion based format, lead by experts in the relevant fields. This is proving a success in getting more people talking and therefore becoming better known. Knowing people is the key to feeling confident about referring business.

Some of the club are losing sponsorship. I am talking to a number of companies to replace Central Bedfordshire Council's sponsorship.

The Evening Club is now  not sponsored so the format is changing to keep costs down.
We will meet at 6pm and just have a light finger buffet and buy our own drinks from the bar.
This means the club can continue for a trial period.

Watch this space for more progress! 

Greensand Ridge Grants

Launch of £2.4 million investment fund to boost Greensand Ridge rural economy
A group working across Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire has up to £2.4 million to invest and is inviting interest from local rural businesses.

The group, known as the Greensand Ridge Local Action Group, has won funding from the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) as part of the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) to invest in exciting and innovative business and community enterprises in the locality. Although applications can be considered at anytime over the next three years the group is keen to encourage projects to come forward as soon as possible.

Charles Whitbread, chair of the Greensand Ridge group, said:

“We are looking to invest our funds in exciting, new, collaborative projects which help local businesses, farmers, foresters and other small rural enterprises to diversify into new markets, particularly those connected with ‘green’ tourism and leisure, carbon reduction and local food and drink.”

The Group aims to use the fund to support the local rural economy and help it to become more competitive and sustainable.  A Greensand Ridge rural development strategy and investment prospectus has been produced by the Group to help guide its investment activity.

Caron Kendall, project manager for the Greensand Ridge Project said:

“Rural businesses are the lifeblood of rural communities.  This £2.4 million investment fund is great news for the Greensand Ridge area we are looking for innovative rural development projects and low-carbon business initiatives.  I encourage anyone interested to get in touch with the group as early as possible.”

The management of the fund is being led by BRCC, a countywide community development and environmental charity.  A team of trained staff has been appointed by BRCC to support applicants to develop their project ideas and complete the necessary application paperwork.  The application process has been designed to be as user-friendly as possible with all applications being considered on a rolling basis at monthly panel meetings. 

Those interested in further information are advised to visit www.greensand.org.uk or call Caron on 01767 626465.

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