Member Article

£40,000 Grant to transform redundant barn into offices

A Herefordshire agricultural merchant has secured a £40,000 grant for a project to convert a 15th century cruck barn, creating up to eight new jobs.

The funding from the Marches Redundant Buildings Grant scheme will see independent merchant Charles Mayson Ltd (CML) transform the barn in Canon Bridge into new offices.

It is the first project to receive approval from the Marches LEP scheme, which was set up to assist businesses with the costs of regenerating derelict and unused buildings and bring them back into productive economic use.

The LEP won £1.5 million from the Government’s Regional Growth Fund last year to set up the scheme, which is open to applications from businesses across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin.

Chairman of the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership, Dr Geoffrey Davies OBE, said: “Our rural businesses have an important role to play in the revitalisation of our regional economy, but they must be given the tools to help them grow and develop.

“One of these key tools is funding and we’re delighted to have given the go-ahead for funding for this project, with work already under way. The scheme will not only help breathe new life into redundant buildings, but will safeguard and create sustainable private sector jobs.

CML, currently based in King Street, Herefordshire, is focused on soil nutrition and advice for growers to ensure soil fertility and quality. Through a unique software system, the company provides tailored nutrient management plans for growers and farmers.

Director Joanna Cobb said: “We’re delighted to have secured this funding to assist with the conversion of a cruck barn next to our fertiliser store. We’re also planning a single storey extension which will include a kitchenette and toilet facilities for the office.

“The new development will also give us an improved location which will enable us to expand our range of products and services. Lack of space at our current office in Hereford city centre means we’ve not be able expand, but the conversion and extension will lead to the creation of around eight new jobs over the next three years.”

With improved security, CML also plans to grow and offer new services at the site, and a wider range of goods to retail, in addition to fertiliser, lime and grass/roots seeds.

The £1.5 million fund RBGS is expected to help create around 300 jobs across the Marches between now and 2014. It was one of 176 successful bids to the second round of the Government’s Regional Growth Fund announced in November last year.

Funding is available for capital grant support of between £3,000 and up to £50,000 to small businesses and start-ups to transform redundant buildings into a base for their enterprises.

Businesses interested in finding out more about the scheme or wanting to speak to the RBG team about their project can contact 01432 260662 or email rbgscheme@herefordshire.gov.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Be Bold Public Relations .