Truro Cathedral, the Old Duchy Palace in Lostwithiel and 13 other historic sites are set to benefit after three organisations successfully bid for support from the Shared Prosperity Fund to ensure these cultural assets can be enjoyed by residents for years to come.

Cornwall Heritage Trust has been awarded £260,634 to grow the charity, expand their outreach programme to schools, youth groups and local communities, and increase volunteer and training opportunities across its 13 historic sites, which include Treffry Viaduct near Luxulyan, Castle an Dinas at St Columb Major and The Hurler Stone Circles near Bodmin Moor.

Cornwall Buildings Preservation Trust will use £188,453 to carry out a programme of works to future-proof Old Duchy Palace, the historically significant Grade 1 Listed Building in the heart of Lostwithiel. It will also grow the capacity of the Trust to take on further projects to rescue Heritage at Risk.

Truro Cathedral will see £112,410 of investment towards restoring St Mary’s Aisle, the oldest part of the cathedral which dates to the 16th century and was part of the original parish church. The project will repair the leaky roof and masonry and refurbish the interior, resulting in a comfortable, welcoming and inspiring space hosting a new programme of year-round activities including children’s shows and arts programming.

Cathy Woolcock, CEO of Cornwall Heritage Trust, said:

“This is a really exciting step forward for us. The work we do to protect Cornwall’s heritage has grown substantially over the last few years and the Shared Prosperity Fund award is a unique opportunity to accelerate that transformation and growth so that we can reinforce our resilience as an organisation. We’ve been championing Cornwall’s heritage for almost 40 years and have evolved so much in that time. We don’t want to just be here in another 40, we want to be thriving, and investment like this in our continued growth is a huge step towards making that possible!”

Photo credit Purcell Architecture Ltd

Kirsty Worden, Chair of Cornwall Buildings Preservation Trust, said:

“We are excited to be working with the Shared Prosperity Fund to make these fundamental improvements to the Old Duchy Palace, which will see it open more extensively at the heart of the bustling town of Lostwithiel. The environmental resilience works and energy efficiency improvements will keep the Palace viable for future use and enjoyment. The proposed virtual tour will allow many more people to experience the Palace and its colourful history. We look forward to working with local contractors, consultants and craftspeople to see this project come to life.”

Photo credit LLE Photography

Simon Robinson, Interim Dean of Truro Cathedral, said:

“St Mary’s Aisle is a most precious aspect of Cornwall’s rich heritage – the last physical remnant of the original church that existed centuries before the cathedral was built. In recent years, it has suffered serious water damage due to its worn-out roof. We are extremely grateful to the Shared Prosperity Fund for supporting this project to repair it. Thanks to the Fund, other charitable organisations and generous donations from hundreds of local people, this amazing building will be able to continue to be used as a place of worship and host a wonderful variety of community events for many years to come.”

This latest funding follows previous Shared Prosperity Fund investment in Cornish heritage projects with IntoBodmin (£180,000) and Real Ideas Organisation (£855,451) in Liskeard, both securing funding to transform old Passmore Edwards library buildings into multi-use community spaces. All projects received funding from the Shared Prosperity Fund’s ‘Culture and Heritage-led Regeneration and Skills Programme’, which is focussed on investing in Cornwall’s heritage buildings, cultural assets and landmarks to support the development, preservation and reimagining of our places and buildings.

Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for economy, said:

“We’ve got a wealth of buildings and other assets that reflect our rich and unique culture and heritage. I’m pleased to see investment going towards a variety of amazing projects in all areas of Cornwall making sure they can be enjoyed by new audiences for years to come. The Good Growth Programme is about increasing residents’ sense of pride in where they live, and these latest projects are all contributing to that and ensuring our cultural and creative economy continues to thrive.”

The funding has been received from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which is being delivered by the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth programme.

Published: 09/05/2023

A new £4.6m pot of funding for rural communities and businesses has launched, with eligible organisations encouraged to put forward projects that will strengthen those areas and provide new opportunities for residents.

The money is for investment into community infrastructure and nature-based solutions that maximise Cornwall’s unique natural assets and complement wider aims around net zero transition and nature recovery.

Examples of schemes that can apply for funding of £200,000 up to £1m include:

• Development or improvements to local nature trails, information boards and visitor centres that encourage tourists to visit outside of the normal peak summer season
• Increasing accessibility and use of green and blue spaces such as community gardens, watercourses and footpaths
• Restoration, refurbishment or improvement of cultural, historic, natural and heritage assets and sites
• Active travel infrastructure, such as cycling and walking routes, in rural and remote communities, that link to existing networks and public transport.

The Rural England Prosperity Fund, awarded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), will be delivered alongside the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Fund.

Applications for the Rural Fund are open now with a closing date of 24 of July 2023. Successful applicants will have until the end of March 2025 to complete their projects.

Further details can be found on the Rural Fund: Community Infrastructure and Assets page.

This funding has been allocated by DEFRA under the government’s levelling up agenda. It is in addition to the £132m Shared Prosperity Fund awarded to Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to benefit communities, business and improve skills as well as to tackle inequalities in deprived areas.

The CIoS Rural Prosperity Fund Investment Plan Addendum outlines how the available budget will be prioritised to address local rural challenges and the opportunities to deliver prosperity for rural businesses and rural communities across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for economy, said:

“I urge community groups and businesses in rural areas to seize this opportunity to apply for a good amount of funding that could help them deliver projects to improve the life of residents, enhance their local area and help our economy. The Rural Prosperity Fund has been designed to reach into the most rural areas of Cornwall and Isles of Scilly so that everyone can benefit.”

Cllr Sims, Lead Member for Economy, Transport and Tourism, Council of the Isles of Scilly said:

“This is a welcome addition to the SPF funding for the Isles of Scilly and for Cornwall. If you have any ideas or plans for your business or group please consider whether this might benefit you. If you have any questions, the SPF team are over on Thursday 11 May 11-4pm at the Porthmellon Enterprise Centre to give advice and guidance.”

Martyn Alvey, Cornwall Council’s cabinet member for environment and climate change, said:

“I’m pleased to see the addition of the Rural Fund added to the existing Shared Prosperity Fund offer. This will give a boost to residents and businesses across our distinctive rural communities offering new funding opportunities for projects that specifically address rural needs. I encourage anyone interested to submit an expression of interest so we can review your idea and offer advice on how to complete the full application.”

Published: 02/05/2023

In light of the new Government guidance regarding the SPF People and Skills investment priority, we are assessing how we can incorporate skills initiatives earlier than anticipated. While the £12m budget was originally restricted to financial year 2024/25, we now hope to bring forward spend to Autumn/Winter 2023 and avoid a gap in provision of skills support to residents between European Social Fund (ESF) and Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF).

The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth team have produced an Action Note for Providers, which sets out the changes and proposed delivery timescales.

In the meantime we are continuing to work with our partners such as Cornwall Voluntary Sector Forum and other organisations that currently deliver skills projects to gather information on project activity and final project close dates from existing delivery partners.

Emma Rowse, Chief Executive of Cornwall Voluntary Sector Forum, said: “Cornwall VSF are working with the Good Growth team to ensure organisations in the voluntary, community or social enterprise sector benefit from these adjustments to the People and Skills investment priority funding, and ensure a smooth transition from ESF to SPF provision. We are glad this funding has been made available sooner than anticipated.”

Published: 27/04/2023

Cornish Scrumpy Company Limited (CSCL) is to receive £588,000 from the Shared Prosperity Fund to create an 850kw solar farm to provide power for their business operations as part of ambitions to migrate to 100% renewable energy over the next 5 years.

The family-run business near Newquay already generates 18% of its energy from an onsite wind turbine. The addition of the new solar farm will increase their renewable generation capacity to 75%. Five acres of unused land will be transformed to provide the infrastructure for the new solar farm.

The Shared Prosperity Fund grant, which is subject to the solar farm project obtaining planning permission, will support investment into renewable energy and allow CSCL to take advantage of new market opportunities, increase competitiveness, recruit two additional employees and safeguard 10 roles over the next three years.

Joe Healey, Managing Director, Trading at Cornish Scrumpy Company Limited said: “As a second generation, proudly independent Cornish family, it is our ambition to celebrate 100 years of business. Sustainability is therefore at the heart of everything we do. Having recently completed a large expansion of our processing facility here on the farm, this solar project, part funded by SPF, will reduce our onsite CO2 emissions by around 170 tonnes a year. Together with our existing turbine, we should be able to generate around 75% of the energy we need to operate. Combining this with the 1500 trees we planted in January 2023, and our new rainwater harvesting system on our roof and apple bays (when not being used for pressing!), 2023 will be a transformational year in our journey towards achieving our long-term sustainability goals”.

By migrating to renewable energy, the business hopes to mitigate against increases in production costs due to rising energy bills and keep the cost of their products down.

Cornish Scrumpy Company Limited (CSCL), famous for its ‘Rattler’ Cornish Cyder, produce and sell a range of award-winning cyder, brandy, whisky, gin, country fruit wines, apple juice and more recently, sparkling wine from their newly planted Vineyard on the outskirts of Truro.

This project has received £588,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund as part of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth’s Strategic Enterprise and Research and Development Infrastructure programme. The aim of this programme is to allow local businesses to grow and fulfil their potential while increasing their productivity and competitiveness. 

Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for economy, said: “Investments in green energy technology and new infrastructure are central to our Good Growth ambitions. We want to see businesses in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly using the Shared Prosperity Fund to increase their productivity and unlock more jobs and opportunities for residents. 

“I’m pleased that this funding will allow CSCL to transition to 100% renewable energy sooner than planned and capitalise on new market opportunities.” 

Published 19/04/2023

Falmouth Docks & Engineering Company, operated by A&P Group, has secured an award of £973,292 from the Shared Prosperity Fund to undertake an environmental impact assessment (EIA) to inform potential redevelopment to support the production of cleaner, affordable and secure energy from floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea.

The EIA will inform how potential modernisation of the dock infrastructure at the historic Cornish port could enable Cornwall to be at the forefront of the growth of this emerging high value, clean growth sector. It will also explore options for the managed expansion of Cornwall’s year-round cruise tourism offer.

Assessments would include a range of socio-economic and environmental studies and surveys to support marine licensing requirements, such as benthic surveys to identify any potentially sensitive habitats or species that may be impacted by marine development, and hydrodynamic modelling which will explore water movement.

It is anticipated that the potential redevelopment of the site will underpin significant employment opportunities, if the results of this assessment are positive and the subsequent projects goes ahead. Previous economic analysis has forecast that the proposed developments could lead to at least 2,000 jobs over the next 10 years, and bring benefits for local assembly, maintenance and operations facilities.

Mike Spicer, Managing Director A&P Falmouth, said:

“Falmouth Port is a statutory harbour authority operated by Falmouth Docks and Engineering Company (FDEC).

“As such, A&P is committed to modernising the existing infrastructure to ensure the port can meet the changing demands which are placed upon it, which includes supporting the growth of floating offshore wind and growing cruise activity in Cornwall.

“Any plans to modernise the existing facilities will be dependent on the environmental impact of the proposed developments. The full Environmental Impact Assessment will consider these impacts and will determine the feasibility of any future plans for development.”

Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for economy, said:

“Developing the floating offshore wind sector is a huge opportunity for Cornwall. It has the potential to bring significant benefits including boosting the economy, creating well paid jobs and contributing to Cornwall Council’s Net Zero and Energy Transition initiatives.

“I’m pleased to see that this funding will give A&P the opportunity to take a proactive approach to understanding the potential environmental impact of this new infrastructure proposal.”

Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly have been allocated a total of £132m from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, a central pillar of the government’s Levelling Up agenda. The money is being used to deliver good growth for the region by supporting local investments that provide new opportunities for communities and businesses.

This potential project could be an important step in working towards the Government’s ambition to bring forward up to 5GW of floating offshore wind by 2035 which will lead towards cleaner, affordable and secure energy.

The UK is leading the world in offshore wind with more installed capacity than any other country. Currently, there is approximately 10GW of installed capacity of offshore wind which is equivalent to 10% of the UK’s electricity.

The Celtic Sea is considered a strategically important site to meet these ambitions to develop an important source of renewable energy and play a critical role in helping the UK achieve Carbon neutrality by 2050.

Cherilyn Mackrory MP for Truro and Falmouth, said:

“Good growth means investing in our local industry and genuinely delivering skills opportunities for local young people so that they continue to want to live and invest in our communities. A&P at Falmouth Docks are already one of the largest ship-repair complexes in the United Kingdom and it is important that we use the Shared Prosperity Fund to transform our great local assets into additional future jobs for residents. I am incredibly proud to see this significant funding within the Levelling-Up agenda right here in Falmouth.”

Published: 18/04/2023

‘Cornwall Counts’, a project to work with communities to encourage more residents to take up free courses from the Government-backed Multiply programme, has received money from the Shared Prosperity Fund to recruit and train 75 Multiply Champions.

The Multiply initiative gives residents access to free flexible courses to improve their numeracy skills that can be used in the workplace or to secure better paid jobs, courses for parents or carers wanting to get better at maths so they can help their children, as well as courses to help people manage their money. 

Delivered by Seetec Pluss, £506,082 from the Shared Prosperity Fund will be used to recruit and train community based Multiply Champions to reach out to, encourage and reassure residents who may feel anxious about taking up a place on a Multiply numeracy course. They will promote access to the Multiply numeracy programme, as they work with each of the education providers to develop links between schools, colleges and employers and act as the ‘front door’ to the programme for learners across Cornwall and Isles of Scilly.

Launched earlier this year, Mutiply is open to anyone aged 19 or over that doesn’t have a GCSE grade C/4 or higher in maths. Courses are being delivered by four providers across Cornwall and Isles of Scilly: Cornwall College Group, Cornwall Adult Education Service, Council of the Isles of Scilly, and Truro and Penwith College.

“The type of courses Multiply offers couldn’t be further away from the classroom maths that some people will remember from their school days”

says Martyn Blight, Operations Manager at Seetec Pluss.

“It’s much more practical and can help people with things like doing homework with their children, cooking, measuring up for DIY or even help with household budgeting. Basically, it’s learning numbers that are useful for everyday life. It’s fantastic seeing how much more confident people feel afterwards and the results can be quite life changing. Sometimes people even move into work or gain promotion as a result”.

Henry Rosewall, one of the new Multiply Champions, works as a senior producer for local community company and Multiply partner, CHAOS.

“Our Multiply volunteers will be people who are already known and trusted within their local community”, says Henry. “It could be anyone – a volunteer from a local foodbank or someone who works in a library or cafe, through to hairdressers or even people who are retired that want to give something back. The important thing is our Champions are approachable, can chat through how it works with no judgement and will set people on the right path”.

The funding for the project has been received from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, allocated from the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Good Growth Fund.

Councillor Barbara Ellenbroek, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for children and families with responsibility for learning and skills said,

“Skills are at the heart of our Good Growth programme. We’re using the Shared Prosperity Fund to provide new training opportunities so that residents can gain new qualifications, progress to better paid jobs and start new careers.  Employers will also benefit from this initiative as the local workforce gain new skills including through vocational options and apprenticeships.”

Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has been allocated a total of £132m of Shared Prosperity Fund for local investment providing opportunities for communities and businesses and giving residents access to new jobs and training.

To find out more about Multiply, watch Seetec’s Multiply broadcast on Facebook.

Published: 29/03/2023

Real Ideas Organisation has been awarded £855,451 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund for the redevelopment of Liskeard Library.

The money will be used to create a state-of-the-art public facility combining 21st century library provision with specialist tech facilities, activity and learning programme for the local community and businesses.

The project, called ‘Afina Liskeard’ (Cornish for illuminate) will create 233m2 of high-quality flexible space containing a modern library and supporting people of all ages through a range of cultural and community programmes including large immersive events.

The plans aim to generate growth in the local creative tech sector by investing in immersive audio technologies. There will also be an activity and learning programme with 360 film-making clubs for children as well as new jobs and volunteering opportunities.

Lindsey Hall, CEO of Real Ideas Organisation, said:

“Receiving support from the Shared Prosperity Fund is brilliant. It means we can complete the final stage of the capital works needed to renovate Liskeard’s Passmore Edwards Library and reopen it to coincide it with the 200th anniversary of John Passmore Edwards birth. It also kickstarts an exciting programme of activities connecting local individuals, community groups, creative and other enterprises with the new immersive tech facilities we aim to offer.”

Work is already underway and is set to be completed by the end of 2023 when the building, which has sat at the heart of the community for over 100 years, will once again be open to the public. It also coincides with celebrations throughout 2023 for the 200th anniversary of the birth of John Passmore Edwards, the Cornish philanthropist who originally funded the grade 2 listed library building.

Real Ideas Organisation (RIO), a CIC formed in 2007, has a received the funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, as part of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Culture and Heritage-led Regeneration and Skills programme.

Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for economy, said:

“The Shared Prosperity Fund is about levelling up communities across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and attracting people to visit new places. Liskeard is an exciting place to be with the redevelopment of the library as well as the Council led £5.2m regeneration project to transform the former Liskeard Cattle Market, expected to add £1.2m a year to the local economy and support new jobs.”

Nick Craker, Cornwall Councillor for Liskeard Central, said:

“I have long lobbied to see Liskeard’s library re-open on Barras Street, barely a week goes by when somebody doesn’t stop me to ask when the library will be coming back to its town centre home. The people of Liskeard rightly want their library building back. I am delighted that with our support the Council has now awarded RIO significant additional resources which will hopefully get this refurbishment over the line, and Liskeard can get its library building back. I am grateful to RIO for all their hard work to ensure this project succeeds for Liskeard.”

Published 21/03/2023

Projects to protect the environment, boost low-carbon travel and invest in green jobs in Cornwall are benefitting from the Shared Prosperity Fund.

Cornwall Council has allocated £450,000 to three net zero initiatives from the first round of the £132m government levelling up programme:

• The Wheels 2 Work project is receiving £250,000 to expand on a successful pilot giving residents the chance to try an electric bike and help them access work and active travel while reducing their impact on the planet.
• Bude Canal has been awarded £150,000 towards dredging of the historic Bude Canal to safeguard its historic, economic and environmental importance to the town. The removal of silt deposits from the canal will also improve flood protection for the Bude community.
• Cornwall Wildlife Trust, delivery partner on the National Highways Green Ribs project, is being awarded £50,000 to deliver biodiversity enhancements and connections between parcels of land in mid-Cornwall near the A30 to develop thriving natural habitats.

The Good Growth investment plan, approved by Cornwall Council in 2022, sets out how the UK Shared Prosperity Fund will be invested in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly including opportunities for climate, nature and resilience projects.

A total of £2.9m is earmarked for infrastructure and nature-based projects to protect businesses and communities from the effects of climate change, such as flooding and coastal erosion.

There is a further £5.5m set aside for energy efficiency projects and developing green and blue spaces, such as community gardens, waterways and coastal areas.

Councillor Martyn Alvey, Cornwall’s cabinet member for environment and climate change, said:

“Projects which will help protect our environment, create jobs in Cornwall’s green sector and enable residents to reduce their impact on the planet through low-carbon travel are already benefitting from the Shared Prosperity Fund.

“Look out for more opportunities to fund plans to improve your community areas and develop sustainable businesses being announced later this year.”

Cllr Louis Gardner, Cornwall’s cabinet member for economy, said:

“It’s great to see projects underway that are already having a positive impact on our environment and providing opportunities for residents. Through our Good Growth principles we’re ensuring that all projects deliver a lasting legacy for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.”

More opportunities for communities and business will be available throughout the year in the form of support and small grants to help businesses move towards sustainable business models, and grants for community organisations to make improvements to their local areas.

All projects funded under the scheme must demonstrate their commitments to a set of Good Growth principles such as reducing CO2 emissions, nature recovery, and embedding circular and waste reduction methods.

The Shared Prosperity Fund in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly is being delivered by Cornwall Council’s Good Growth programme. The Good Growth programme is committed to delivering green and inclusive growth, by investing in organisations characterised by their social and environmental responsibility, facilitating growth in the green economy, and making a positive contribution to nature recovery and resilience.

Published 28/02/2023

A project to create additional workspace for local artists by transforming unused buildings into new studios in Newlyn has been given a boost with funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The Borlase Smart John Wells Trust will receive £225,610 to create three new high-quality, accessible workspaces for artists working in Cornwall at their Trewarveneth Studios. One of these new studios will be offered for short term lets, providing flexible opportunities for young and emerging artists.

The charity, which also owns and manages Grade II* Porthmeor Studios in St Ives, as well as neighbouring Grade II* Anchor Studios in Newlyn, will also be installing fibre broadband, an EV charger and bat and bird boxes as part of the upgrades.

Chris Hibbert, Manager at Borlase Smart John Wells Trust said:

“We are really delighted that the Shared Prosperity Fund will help us to renovate these unsightly outbuildings in the heart of Newlyn, providing more opportunities for local artists. This project meets perfectly the ambitions of the Shared Prosperity Fund, but it would not be happening without their support, and we are most grateful.”

Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for economy said:

“Cornwall’s creative industries are a crucial part of the local economy and providing additional workspace for local artists in Newlyn builds on the thriving creative cluster in the area. It is also great to see sustainable approaches to regeneration embedded into the project.”

Architect Rolfe Kentish and QS Trevor Humphreys, the team responsible for award-winning renovations of Porthmeor and Anchor Studios, have drawn up proposals for this project. Work is expected to begin in Summer 2023.

Contractors working on the project, which sits within Newlyn’s Conservation Area, will reuse and repurpose as much of the original building materials as possible, and source locally produced second-hand traditional slates to complete the roof.

The funding has been received from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, which is being managed through the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme.

Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has been allocated a total of £132m of Shared Prosperity Fund for local investment providing opportunities for communities and businesses and giving residents access to new and training.   Visit the Funding Opportunities page to see what we are currently accepting applications for.

Published 14/02/2023

The next round of funding for Cornwall and Isles of Scilly through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund is now live with opportunities targeted towards community organisations focussed on improving quality of life for residents, projects that can help residents with the cost of living, and initiatives developing clean energy and geo-resources.

The three new funding categories now open to applicants are:

• Strategies to Mitigate the Cost of Living (£5.5m) – Community programmes to improve energy efficiency and the creation of, or improvements to, local green and blue spaces.
• Strategic Sector Development (£3.75m) – Development of high growth, high potential sectors in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, focussing on; clean energy, geo-resources, data and space, visitor economy and agri-food.
• Community Organisation Fund (£2.7m) – For local organisations to deliver projects and activities that improve the quality of life for their residents and build better connections for communities.

Organisations are encouraged to find out more about these new funding opportunities on the Good Growth website and submit applications for projects that will deliver good growth, boost productivity and improve life for residents. Advice and support is also available for applicants to develop their bids.

Cllr Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for economy, said: “This new round of funding is for community programmes and local organisations that deliver timely and tangible benefits to improve the lives of Cornwall and Isles of Scilly residents. If you are part of a community programme or organisation that is working to put in place energy efficiency measures to help residents cope with cost-of-living issues, or to develop green spaces that are so important for health and wellbeing, then we want to hear from you. There are also new grants available from a £3.75 million fund to deliver initiatives that drive good growth in areas like clean energy production. Please visit the Good Growth website to find out more about these and all the other opportunities available, to see if your organisation can apply for a Shared Prosperity Fund grant that could make all the difference.” 

Cllr Steve Sims, Isles of Scilly Lead Member for Economy, Tourism & Transport, said: “This is a great opportunity for island business and community groups who are looking to grow. You may think this type of thing is for someone else: it’s not – it’s for you if you have a plan for growth but want a bit of a push.” 

Any organisation with legal status can apply for the funding including businesses, partnerships, social enterprises, charities, CICs, and town and parish councils. As with previous rounds, all projects must be completed by the end of March 2025.

Published: 08/02/2023

The Hall for Cornwall is set to receive £282,240 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to extend its “Community Culture Club” programme, making culture more accessible for those who don’t usually have the opportunity to participate.

The Community Culture Club builds on a five-year project, which saw 10,000 people from almost 200 Cornish community groups attend a theatre event for the first time.

As well as offering people from under represented communities their first theatre experience, participants will also be able to train, learn and make their own creative work. The idea is to level up culture in Cornwall including the creation of community shows.

Julien Boast, CEO and Creative Director at Hall for Cornwall said: “We’re thrilled to be able to continue broadening our ‘access for all’ mission with funding secured to enable thousands more people throughout Cornwall to access our cultural offer and experience theatre for the very first time.”

“The support of the Shared Prosperity Fund will enable us to reactivate our hugely successful Community Culture Club which, with support from the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, enabled us to support 10,000 people from nearly 200 Cornish community groups in attending the theatre for the first time. In a time of economic hardship, we want to extend our accessibility and go beyond the reach of our current £15 ticket scheme.”

Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for economy, said: “Through our Good Growth Investment Plan, we want to build on Cornwall’s strong theatre and performing arts industry, reach new audiences and create more year-round permanent jobs within the sector. The Community Culture Club will deliver on all of those ambitions by bringing the very best of the cultural offer locally to communities that have never experienced theatre before.”

This announcement follows other successful bids for Shared Prosperity Funding from IntoBodmin and Golden Tree Productions, with all projects delivering outcomes that will strengthen the creative and cultural economy in Cornwall.

Organisations are being encouraged to review the funding opportunities available and submit applications that will create good growth and deliver lasting impact for Cornwall and Isles of Scilly.

Left to right: Councillor Louis Gardner, Portfolio holder for Economy; Levelling up minister Dehenna Davison; and Julie Caplin-Grey, deputy CEO, Hall for Cornwall

Published: 02/02/2023

A project to involve the community in celebrating and reviving distinctive Cornish traditions has received a boost from the Shared Prosperity Fund’s Cultural Events and Talent Programme.

The programme, aimed at developing and promoting Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly’s unique culture, heritage and creative industries, has awarded Golden Tree Productions, the team behind the hugely successful Man Engine project, £349,748 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to develop this Redruth event.

The money will be used for Hellfire Kernow, a community-based project to deliver an innovative programme of events and workshops leading up to a spectacular celebration of the Life of St Euny, Redruth’s patron saint, on 1 May 2023.

The Golden Tree Productions team will be out and about on Redruth’s St Piran’s Day celebrations in March sharing more information about the event and how to get involved. They’ll be working closely with Redruth School, Redruth Rugby Football Club, community groups and local businesses to develop the event and deliver workshops in the run-up to the May Bank Holiday celebration.

After creating costumes and banners, choreographing theatrical interventions, practicing the sport of hurling and readying a Garm Vresel (‘battle cry’) residents of Redruth will join their crew. These crews are based on the medieval keverangow (‘hundreds’) of Cornwall and centred on the crossroads at the bottom of Redruth Fore Street, which is where a colossal clash of colourful kryws will lead to a spectacular procession through the town.

Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for economy, said: “We’re using the Shared Prosperity Fund to build on Cornwall’s unique heritage and cultural assets. Investing in innovative cultural programmes such as this aims to bring together local communities and boost their long-term growth.”

The Hellfire Kernow project has received £349,748 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to grow the event over four years, following the successful pilot in May 2022. The funding was allocated from the Good Growth’s Cultural Events and Talent Programme, which focusses on creating sustainable jobs through generating more year-round, permanent, higher paid employment, and reducing the seasonal nature of the tourism sector.

Golden Tree Productions Artistic Director Will Coleman: “An kevarghow ma a vynn ri dhyn ni an chons dhe dhrehevel war sewena a’n hwarvos Hellfire Kernow warleni, ha maga an ragdres rag, ha gans, an kemenieth a Resrudh. Ow miras orth an tan y’n kolonow warleni a-dhia bush a’n goslowysi hag nerth a-dhia eseli a’n kemenieth a junyas aga Kryws, a res dhyn ni sens gwir a’n pobel a Resrudh ow tos warbarth.”

“This investment from the Shared Prosperity Fund will give us the opportunity to build on the success of the previous Hellfire Kernow, and grow the project as an event for, and by, the community of Redruth. Seeing the enthusiasm last year from the crowd of spectators, and the energy from the members of community who joined their crews, gave us a real sense of the people of Redruth coming together.”

Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has been allocated a total of £132m of Shared Prosperity Fund for local investment providing opportunities for communities and businesses and giving residents access to new jobs and training.

Businesses, community organisations, public bodies and partnerships are encouraged to submit applications showing how they will create good growth and deliver lasting impact for Cornwall and Isles of Scilly. All current funding opportunities are available on the Funding Opportunities page.

Photo credit: Steve Tanner

Published 01/02/2023

Adults across Cornwall and Isles of Scilly who want to improve their maths skills can sign up for free courses thanks to a new £2.5 million Multiply programme aimed at boosting opportunities for residents.

The initiative gives residents access to free courses designed to cover specific skills that can be used in the workplace or to secure better paid jobs, courses for parents or carers wanting to get better at maths so they can help their children, as well as courses to help people get better at managing their money.

Multiply will offer adults who do not already have a GCSE grade C/4 or higher in maths or equivalent, free flexible courses to improve their numeracy skills.

Residents in Cornwall can access courses through three providers:

• Cornwall College Group
• Cornwall Council Adult Education Service
• Truro and Penwith College

Residents on the Isles of Scilly will also benefit from online courses delivered by mainland partners in Cornwall as well as 1 to 1 or small group support to those who lack the digital skills or confidence to access such courses by themselves.

All courses are free and available to residents in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly on a part-time, intensive or flexible basis.

People who improve their skills with numbers are more likely to be in employment, have higher wages, and better wellbeing. Around 17 million adults in England – half of the working-age population – have the numeracy skills of primary school children. Poor numeracy skills can hold people back from having the confidence to get on in life and into work.

Cornwall Council has been awarded the cash boost from the government’s £2.6 billion UK Shared Prosperity Fund to offer tailored courses that meet the needs of the local community as part of the rollout of the government’s flagship Multiply programme.

Councillor Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for economy, said: “Helping our residents gain those extra maths skills at a time and a place that suits them is so important. By bringing the opportunities into the community, with tailored courses where everyone can feel comfortable, we can boost confidence and help our residents improve their prospects of getting a better job.”

Cllr. Steve Sims, Isles of Scilly Council portfolio holder for the economy said: “As someone who loves and sees the beauty in maths, I’m delighted to support the Multiply Programme. In an increasingly complex world, an understanding of mathematics is a basic resource to get on, and just as importantly to comprehend the world we live in. Often half of the news today consists of graphs, tables and percentages and an understanding of what’s going on empowers people and gives them agency. So for me there are important social gains inherent in the programme as well as just the economic.”

Kate Wills, Group Deputy Principal Curriculum and Quality The Cornwall College Group, said: “We are delighted to be able to support the Multiply programme in Cornwall. Maths is at the heart of so many careers and opportunities. As the Career College, we know that no matter your age or situation, education can make a positive impact on your life, and we encourage businesses, parents and carers to get in touch to see how they can benefit from Multiply with The Cornwall College Group.”

Charlotte Styles, Programme Team Leader – Future Skills at Truro & Penwith College said: “Truro and Penwith College is delighted to have been awarded the opportunity to develop, trial and deliver activities to support local adults with their numeracy skills through the Multiply programme. Our Multiply team is now looking forward to working with our business partners, community organisations and with parents and carers on an exciting range of workshops and courses that will make a real difference both to how adults engage with maths and to their training and career opportunities.”

Cllr Kevin Bentley, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s People and Places Board, said: “We are pleased to see the Government working closely with councils and devolved authorities to get the Multiply programme up and running at speed, as they know how best to deliver this much-needed investment and tailor it to local need.

“They are trusted leaders of place with first-hand experience of delivering adult and community learning, as well as other council services which residents rely on, with the broadest reach into the voluntary, community and training sectors, housing associations and local employers. Local government is best placed to engage residents who would benefit from increasing their numeracy skills to get on in life and work.”

Businesses that develop their employees’ numeracy skills can also boost productivity, increase profits and improve employee retention.

Local employers will also benefit from the scheme, with courses and activities tailored to a particular area or jobs at no cost to them offered to their employees to help boost their numeracy skills.

Research also shows that sectors with a high proportion of workers with basic or advanced numeracy skills have experienced the most rapid growth in employment over the last decade.

Find out more here

Published 27/01/2022

The Growth and Skills Hub is launching a £1,245,000 grant scheme for businesses who want to increase productivity and create employment through green and inclusive growth.

The grants are funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund as part of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme. The aim is to realise the potential of businesses in the region and to make the economy more resilient, more equal and more prosperous.

They target businesses that have the ambition and capacity to grow and improve their productivity whilst also delivering improvements in environmental sustainability and social responsibility.

The funding is available to all businesses in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly with growth ambitions, who can complete their project by 30 June 2023, with specific grants focussed on:

• manufacturing companies looking to adopt industrial digital technology solutions
• businesses and organisations within the social economy including community businesses
• businesses looking to grow their overseas trade
• businesses and organisations looking to deliver feasibility studies for larger projects
• businesses who need to carry out research or commercialise their ideas
• businesses looking to develop new products and services
• businesses wishing to develop digital and physical innovation infrastructure or access specialist resources

Cllr Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for economy, said: “One of the aims of the Good Growth Fund is to strengthen our economic future, increase trade and investment, and inspire green and socially responsible enterprise. These grants are available to all businesses and to help unlock economic prosperity in every sector, whilst also contributing to our vision to be carbon neutral by 2030.”

Grants are available from £3,000, the maximum value depending on the pot applied for, and the average award expected to be around £25,000.  Businesses will need to provide a minimum of 50% match funding for their project and be able to meet the costs upfront as the grants must be claimed once the project is completed. Successful applicants will also need to demonstrate how their projects are contributing to the Good Growth Principles set out within the wider investment programme, which include environmental and inclusivity priorities.

Cllr Steve Sims, Lead Member for Economy, Tourism & Transport, Council of the Isles of Scilly said: “I encourage anyone who would like to grow their business to have a look at the criteria on the Growth & Skills Hub website and get in touch with the team to discuss eligibility.

Don’t be daunted by the wording in the eligibility criteria, I know for a small business buzz words like “digital” and “feasibility studies” can make you think this is not for us.

This is about growth and if you have any ideas to grow your business then this is for you, whether you’re delivering a huge ICT program or a sole trader. So please ask, there is a lot of support available to those wishing to apply and this is an excellent opportunity to bring further investment to the local economy to achieve more productive and sustainable practices which benefit us all.”

The first round of applications will be open until 5pm on Friday 24 February 2023 and subsequent rounds will be subject to funding.

Find out more

Published: 21/12/2022

IntoBodmin CIC has been announced as the first project in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly to receive a share of the region’s £132m Shared Prosperity Fund. The community and arts organisation, formed in 2017, has been awarded £180,000 to refurbish “The Old Library” which serves as a cultural and community hub for the town, including co-working and business workspace, performance area, café and community room.

They will also use the funds to launch a new Community Skills Development programme to provide the opportunity for six volunteers to receive training and establish place-based groups to develop community opportunities.

Councillor Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for economy, said: “This is a great example of a project that can deliver on our good growth ambitions and make a difference at the heart of the community where it’s needed most. IntoBodmin is the first of many fantastic projects in line to receive shared prosperity funding, which will give residents access to new jobs and training and see investments made to improve local communities across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.”

Fin Irwin, Director at IntoBodmin says: “We are so excited to finally transform The Old Library building, that has been at the heart of the Bodmin community for the last 125 years. Accessing the Shared Prosperity Fund will allow us to safeguard it for the next 125 years!”

Levelling Up Minister, Dehenna Davison said: “It is great to see Cornwall and Isles of Scilly take full advantage of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, by refurbishing of the library located in the heart of Bodmin.

“I know the Bodmin Library plays such an important role for the community – offering a gateway to knowledge and providing a community space for youth groups and local families.”

Scott Mann MP for North Cornwall said: “North Cornwall didn’t get as much EU investment as other parts of Cornwall so it is great news that the first Cornish recipients of the government’s flagship replacement programme, the Shared Prosperity Fund, are an organisation in Bodmin.

“The £180,000 funding awarded to intoBodmin CIC will go towards refurbishing the Old Library in Bodmin and setting up a new skills development programme. This will significantly boost the availability of training in the town and restore one of the town’s most iconic buildings. I will follow this project closely and look forward to seeing the results.”

IntoBodmin CIC received £180,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund as part of the UK Government’s levelling up agenda. Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly have been allocated a total £132m to spend on local investments over three years until March 2025.

Applications for the first round of funding opened in August 2022. IntoBodmin were successful in the “Culture and Heritage-Led Regeneration and Skills” open invitation.

All investments fall into three priorities of business, community and skills with an overarching objective to achieve “Good Growth” for the region while tackling inequalities in deprived areas.

Funding is being delivered through a combination of open invitations to bid and initiatives delivered in-house by Cornwall Council.

All current opportunities for funding are available on the Funding Opportunities page, with more opportunities ready to be launched in 2023.

Pictured L – R Fin Irwin, Director at IntoBodmin, Scott Mann MP and Councillor Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for economy.

Published: 14/12/2022

Cornwall Council Cabinet have today agreed that Cornwall Council will manage the delivery of the £5.6m Rural England Prosperity Fund, on behalf of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

The investment has been allocated by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs under the government’s levelling up agenda. It is in addition to the £132m Shared Prosperity Fund awarded to the region to benefit communities, business and skills as well as to tackle inequalities in deprived areas.

The Rural England Prosperity Fund will be delivered during the period April 2023 to March 2025 with a focus on developing rural businesses, food and drink processing, farm diversification and community infrastructure. Funding will be available through a combination of bespoke rural business support and grants.

The Rural Prosperity Fund Investment Plan Addendum outlines how the available budget will be prioritised to address local rural challenges and opportunities to deliver prosperity for rural businesses and rural communities across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Further details on how to apply for funding will be announced early 2023 with an expected launch date of April 2023.

From:Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities

Published: 5 December 2022

People across the country will benefit from £2.6 billion of investment as the UK approves spending plans for funding previously run by the European Union.

People across the country will benefit from £2.6 billion of investment in skills, improved high streets, support for local business and more green spaces as the UK takes back control and approves spending plans for funding previously run by the European Union.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund succeeds EU structural funding but instead of Brussels deciding how and where the money is spent, the UK Government has been working closely with local leaders in every corner of the UK to direct funding where it is most needed.

Under the spending plans approved today, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are all receiving at least as much as they did before, while also being free from bureaucratic EU processes and having greater say in how the money is used.

Councils in England, Scotland and Wales have drawn up the plans with a wide range of local partners that deliver for people in their areas. They have chosen to spend the money on a range of initiatives, such as supporting people into decent jobs, helping local businesses to grow and fighting anti-social behaviour, and can now begin to deliver these. In Northern Ireland, DLUHC is managing the Fund and has developed a plan in close collaboration with councils, businesses and the community and voluntary sector.

Levelling Up Minister Dehenna Davison said:

“We are taking full advantage of being outside the European Union and unlocking billions of pounds of investment to help level up communities and spread opportunity across the UK.

“The UK Shared Prosperity Fund will have tangible benefits for people up and down the country, from a young entrepreneur in need of a helping hand or those who want to gain the skills they need to secure a decent, well-paid job.

“The UK government has worked closely with local leaders across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, giving them a greater say in how this money is spent and ensuring funding is directed to where it is most needed.”

Across the UK, the money will be spent on levelling up in three key areas:

• Communities and place: projects could include improving parks and green spaces, sports facilities and access to arts and culture to foster a greater sense of pride in place.
• Supporting local business: this include support for entrepreneurs, as well as research and development grants for local businesses to help develop innovative products and services.
• People and skills: projects could include specialist support for people with a health condition facing additional barriers into decent jobs. This may include basic life skills, digital training and education in English and maths. As part of the Fund, a multi-million pound adult numeracy programme, Multiply, has been allocated across the UK to support people with no or low-level maths skills to improve their economic and life prospects.

The UK Government’s flexible approach also means that councils and local partners will have the opportunity to adapt each plan to reflect new economic priorities over the period to 2025.

Today, the UK Government is publishing the UKSPF Investment Plan for Northern Ireland, which set outs how the fund will be delivered. This has been designed to improve pride in place, increase life chances and support growth by investing in key priorities for Northern Ireland.

Funding for the UKSPF will be £2.6 billion between 2022 and 2025, with this figure reaching £1.5 billion per year by March 2025, delivering on the UK Government’s commitment to match EU structural funds for each nation.

Local areas across England will see £1.58 billion, Scotland £212 million, Wales £585 million and Northern Ireland £127 million made available under the fund.

Businesses, community organisations, public bodies and partnerships which can deliver positive and sustainable outcomes for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are being invited to apply for the first opportunities for funding from the £132m Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF).

To secure the funding they must show their projects can drive ‘good growth’ in the region such as creating more skilled jobs, delivering greener and more inclusive work opportunities and investing in communities and places.

A new Economic Prosperity Board made up of councillors from Cornwall Council and the Council of the Isles of Scilly will consider the applications.

Advice and support to applicants will be offered through the Good Growth team hosted by Cornwall Council, to help potential applicants make their funding bids.

There are seven funding categories for projects to be targeted towards in the first round of funding:

• Strategic Business, Enterprise and Research and Development Infrastructure (£18.7m) – site-specific funding to accelerate workspace and infrastructure projects that will enable business growth.
• Town, Rural and Coastal High Street Development and Skills Programme (£4.4m) – funding for businesses, property owners (public/private/third sector), developers and skills providers in towns, rural and coastal communities and on the Isles of Scilly to regenerate high streets and neighbourhood shopping areas.
• Cultural Events and Talent Programme (£4.4m) – activities to engage communities, promote growth and wider participation and create sustainable jobs by generating more year-round, permanent, higher paid employment, by using our cultural product to reduce the seasonal nature of the tourist sector.
• Culture / Heritage-led Regeneration and Skills (£10.82m) – investment in the creative economy, cultural institutions and heritage buildings and assets that regenerate places and communities, drives pride in place and supports development of skills, sustainability and social mobility
• Community Skills Hubs (£5.198m) – using existing community and education buildings to promote and deliver skills and training and skills opportunities.
• Community Connectivity and Digital Inclusion (£1.5m) – projects which improve digital connectivity, digital inclusion and skills.
• Multiply numeracy programme (£0.496) – promoting opportunities to support adult numeracy

Councillor Louis Gardner, Cornwall’s portfolio holder for economy, said: “We are encouraging everyone who would like to help us deliver good growth in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to fill in the funding enquiry form on our website.

“Any organisation can apply, as long as you can show you can deliver good growth against the criteria that is set out in each funding category. There will be support and advice from our Shared Prosperity Fund team to make sure that each enquiry is directed to the right part of the programme.”

Councillor Barbara Ellenbroek, Cornwall’s portfolio holder for children and families, said: “Whether you’re young or old we want to make it easier for residents both in work and out of work to access opportunities to improve their skills or take up new ones. Not only in our emerging areas such as renewable energy, the aerospace sector, technology, metals, digital and creative industries, but also in areas of high vacancies such as care and hospitality. If you think you can create new learning and skills opportunities that could benefit from this new funding, please get in touch and tell us your ideas.”

Councillor Steve Simms, Lead member for Economy, Transport and Tourism at the Council of the Isles of Scilly said: “The shared prosperity fund offers a new opportunity for support to our economic and skills agendas, with the ability for the first time in many years, for programmes to be shaped, and focused on local issues. We will be working hard to ensure that the opportunities are grasped by local businesses and communities alike, by spreading the word, and signposting to those needing advice, help on how to apply.”

Cornwall Council Leader Linda Taylor said: “I encourage those with a vision to deliver positive and sustainable outcomes for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to apply for this first tranche of funding from the Shared Prosperity Fund as we work together to level up residents’ life chances and create a thriving, sustainable Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.”

Deadlines for this first tranche of project applications range from September 2 to 16 depending on the funding category – find out more in the Initiation Forms downloadable from each Funding Opportunity.

Cornwall Council has today approved a spending plan for the £132m Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) to benefit the region’s businesses and communities as well as boost residents’ job skills.

The council backed the three-year investment strategy for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly at a cabinet meeting held at Lys Kernow this afternoon (July 20, 2022).

The Council of the Isles of Scilly will discuss the plan at its full council meeting next Tuesday (July 26, 2022).

Part of the government’s levelling up agenda, the SPF plan will see cash injections made to meet the three priorities of business, communities and skills as well as tackling inequalities in deprived areas.

It will aim to level up residents’ life chances to create a thriving, sustainable Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

A key focus will be to speed up the growth of high value and wage sectors such as renewable energy, technology, metals, digital and creative industries. 

Further details of how the funding will be allocated across the region and how organisations and community groups can apply for funding will be announced next month. 

The programme is funded by UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Councillor Louis Gardner, Cornwall’s portfolio holder for economy, said: “Today’s cabinet decision is an important step in investing £132m in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly’s future. I’m determined that we now push on with getting investment to where it is needed most. 

“The first projects we will fund will enable communities to shape future investments in their towns and villages. We will be funding community projects including capital funding, town centre and high street investments, rural and coastal rejuvenation and skills and inclusion projects. We will also be setting up capacity and support for communities to help develop their ideas and apply for the funds. 

“In the first months of the programme we will be prioritising developing project ideas for communities in north and south east Cornwall to ensure levelling up across the region. Our project teams will be bringing forward programmes to create jobs and skills improvements in the future.”

 Councillor Barbara Ellenbroek, Cornwall’s portfolio holder for children and families, said: “An important feature of the strategy we approved today is how it integrates skills in our communities to give our residents equal opportunities to access programmes and support to give them a chance to prosper. 

“We need to ensure that especially young people get the support they need to make the most of exciting opportunities in emerging sectors such as renewable energy, nature recovery and the creative industries, improving both core skills and higher-level skills at college and university. 

“We will also be launching opportunities for organisations and businesses across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to apply for funding for workspace, cultural events, community hubs and digital inclusion, all of which will have skills development and furthering opportunities for local residents at the heart of their delivery.”

The SPF Investment Plan has been widely supported by the private sector. Mark Duddridge, Chair of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly LEP said: “It’s great to see Cornwall Council and the Council of the Isles of Scilly set out such exciting plans for the future. Just over 12 months ago the eyes of the world were on Cornwall and we took the opportunity to highlight both the many social challenges we have and the exciting future opportunities which people sometimes don’t see. 

“This investment will help accelerate and make real many of the projects we showcased to the world and could attract further investment from the private sector.”

All opportunities for funding will be made available on the council’s new SPF portal ciosgoodgrowth.com.

Cornwall Council will be recruiting staff to manage the programme and support communities and applicants in accessing funding. All job opportunities will be available on Cornwall Council’s website.

For more information email goodgrowth@cornwall.gov.uk.