IMPROVING THE VALUE OF RURAL TOURISM IN EAST SURREY BUSINESS SUPPORT AND RURAL FUNDING WELCOME

Transcription

1 IMPROVING THE VALUE OF RURAL TOURISM IN EAST SURREY BUSINESS SUPPORT AND RURAL FUNDING WELCOME

2 Improving the Value of the Visitor Economy in East Surrey Business Support & Rural Funding Workshop Setting the Scene Simon Matthews Matthews Associates

3 Business Support & Rural Funding Workshop Purpose of the Workshop To introduce you to the East Surrey Tourism Co-operation Project To engage and inspire you in working with us to create a Plan and Partnership going forward that will increase the value of rural tourism in East Surrey

4 Business Support & Rural Funding Workshop Rural Tourism is it worth it? "Tourism in rural areas creates job opportunities and supports the economic viability of communities. At a time in which volatile agricultural prices and depopulation threaten businesses and rural services, we are asking how effectively public programmes and government policies support these areas to stay competitive in a global industry. We will also be asking how we can work to make the growth of countryside and coastal tourism sustainable, balancing economic, social and environmental interests. Neil Parish MP, Chair of the EFRA Committee Rural Tourism in England inquiry

5 Business Support & Rural Funding Workshop Rural Tourism what s it worth? In England, Rural Tourism accounts for :- 17 bn Spent in Rural Economy 380,000 Jobs 20m Overnight Trips 335m Day-Visits 18% of Domestic Overnight Tourism 22% Day Visits 18% Overseas Visitors

6 Business Support & Rural Funding Workshop EAFRD -European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development An EU funded initiative to support investment in local co-operation initiatives that improve the rural tourism offer in the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership area Successful applications made by Mole Valley District Council and a consortium of East Surrey Councils led by Tandridge District Council Tourism South East & Associates appointed to deliver in March 2017 Project 1 - Mole Valley only Wheels, Feet & Hooves thematic project focussing on cycling, walking and equestrian activity Project 2 East Surrey Districts and Boroughs - a more generic project focussing on the visitor economy within the rural areas of Tandridge, Epsom & Ewell, Reigate and Banstead and Mole Valley To run from April 3rd 2017 to June 30th 2018

7 Business Support & Rural Funding Workshop What are the projects going to achieve?.. promote the rural tourism credentials of the area by improving the visibility and viability of Mole Valley and East Surrey rural destinations, experiences, services and products, and create an ethos of sustainable growth taking into consideration the needs of visitors, residents, businesses and the environment. Each Project will have two outcomes:- Destination Management Plan - a Strategy and Action Plan For sustainable tourism in a destination. Destination Management Partnership To take a lead role in the management and development of the DM Plan.

8 Business Support & Rural Funding Workshop Key Elements of East Surrey Project Destination Audit an assessment and analysis of the rural tourism infrastructure and service provision within East Surrey. Visitor and Non Visitor Surveys both on the ground fieldwork interviews with visitors at key locations and the use of online panels to establish the profile, motivations and perceptions of visitors and potential visitors to the area. Stakeholder surveys businesses, environmental organisations, clubs and associations, etc to gauge the impact, the attitudes and perceptions towards the rural visitor economy. Market Trends & Opportunities to analyse what the most recent trends have been in rural tourism. Consultation Workshops engagement with the local community and business, stakeholders and interest groups to incorporate local issues and concerns and aspirations and opportunities into the development process.

9 Andrew Dennis Coast to Capital Growth Hub

10 Points I will cover The Coast to Capital LEP region C2C Growth Hub Website Business Support Current funding available Q&As Andrew Dennis Business Adviser 27/02/18

11 Andrew Dennis Business Adviser 27/02/18

12 Coast to Capital: Business Growth Hub A web portal for businesses: Free advice and specialist support Helping new and established businesses grow Team of Business Support Navigators Andrew Dennis Business Adviser 27/02/18

13 Andrew Dennis Business Adviser 27/02/18

14 Business Navigator Website Events Andrew Dennis Business Adviser 27/02/18

15 Business Navigator Website Videos & Downloads Live chat Andrew Dennis Business Adviser 27/02/18

16 Growth Hub Website Support Organisations Live Chat and Helpline Andrew Dennis Business Adviser 27/02/18

17 Business Advisers: Andrew Dennis Business Adviser 27/02/18 27/02/18

18 Coast to Capital Grants Business Growth Grants Available to the whole Coast to Capital Region % CAPEX programme match funded Due to be launched March - this if for capital expense and criteria is being drafted with Innovation and Productivity criteria Andrew Dennis Business Adviser 27/02/18

19 Financial support: The FSE Group invests in small firms in the south east of England that have the potential for growth. Tel: (01276) Equity and loan funding supported by Coast to Capital Andrew Dennis Business Adviser 27/02/18

20 The Let's Do Business Group - Financial support: Enterprise Finance Guarantee Start Up Loans Access To Finance Andrew Dennis Business Adviser 27/02/18

21 Finance Portals Rangewell & Finpoint help businesses identify industry finance FREE Team of experienced advisors Compare and apply for business finance Fully comprehensive and FREE-to-use online platforms. 300 business lenders and 000s of products on the platform. Andrew Dennis Business Adviser 27/02/18

22 Additional Support: Organisations for International Trade Department of International Trade Open to Export Enterprise Europe Network UK ASEAN Business Council Institute of Export Common Wealth Enterprise & Investment Council Andrew Dennis Business Adviser 27/02/18

23 URICA Business on Better Terms URICA is a revolutionary early payments network replacing debt in the supply chain with cash. Benefits both customers and suppliers URICA has developed micro supply chains Andrew Dennis Business Adviser 27/02/18

24 Local Authority Business Grants & Useful Services Crawley: 2,000 Reigate and Banstead 1,000 Brighton, Croydon and Bognor: SEEK 500 West Sussex For Funding: Sustainable Procurement Network Sussex Innovation Crowd funding Andrew Dennis Business Adviser 27/02/18

25 Thank you Andrew Dennis Business Adviser 27/02/18 27/02/18

26 SARAH McGINN Area Manager, Rural Payments Agency

27 Rural Development Programme for England EAFRD Growth Calls one agency 28

28 The Contribution of Growth programme to Rural Development CAP scmo Pillar 1 Direct payments Greening Countryside Stewardship 3.1 billion Growth 177m Pillar 2 RDPE 456m Countryside Productivity 141m LEADER 138m Structural Funds ERDF ESF 177m RDP (EAFRD) Growth Programme PROTECT one agency 29

29 Grant Offers Currently Open Growth Programme Closes for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) 31 May themes: Business Development Food Processing Tourism Infrastructure Countryside Productivity Large Grants Improving Forestry Productivity (closes 3 April 2018) Water Resource Management (closes 29 June 2018) Adding Value to Agri-Food (closes 29 June 2018) Improving Farm Productity (closes 3 December 2018) Countryside Productivity Small Grants Funding for specific pieces of agricultural equipment Closes for applications 14 March 2018 LEADER Local programmes open in 79 areas since 2015 PROTECT one agency 30

30 Countryside Productivity Large Large capital grants to improve farming and forestry productivity Minimum grant 35,000 Four themes: Water Resource Management Improving Forestry Productivity Improving Farm Productivity Adding Value to Agri-Food PROTECT one agency 31

31 Countryside Productivity Small Small capital grants for farmers to purchase equipment to improve the productivity of their farm. The scheme is different to other parts of the Countryside Productivity scheme as it uses an online application process. Targeted at supporting investment for specific pieces of agricultural equipment. Minimum grant - 3,000 / Maximum grant - 12,000 Any size farming business can apply PROTECT one agency 32

32 GROWTH PROGRAMME RPA launched national Growth calls in January 2017 for: Business Development Food Processing Rural Tourism Infrastructure Each call has a Handbook on Gov.uk and a Helpline on Eligibility criteria National priorities Local LEP priorities COMPETITIVE APPLICATION PROCESS PROTECT one agency 33

33 Further information All information (including the handbook for each call and EoI application form) is available online. Search for Growth Programme Please also contact the RPA if you would like to discuss your project or would like any further advice Rural Payments helpline : GPEnquiries@rpa.gsi.gov.uk Completed EoIs should be ed to: growthapps@rpa.gsi.gov.uk PROTECT one agency 34

34 EAFRD Growth Programme for Rural Businesses and Organisations Simon Matthews Chairman Coast to Capital ESIF EAFRD Committee Matthews Associates

35 Don t miss out on applying for / Grant Funding EAFRD LEADER

36 Grant Offers Currently Open Growth Programme 120 million of calls launched in January 2017, deadline end of May themes: Business Development Food Processing Tourism Infrastructure Over 3.5m allocated to the Coast to Capital Region across the above measures. Defra/RPA are encouraging significant over allocation of budget. For Coast to Capital between 5-6M LEADER 138 Million allocated for national programme between Local programmes open in 79 areas since 2015 local is Rural Surrey 1.64 million allocated to Rural Surrey, approx 800k remaining

37 How much grant could I get? Min 2,500 Transition 75,000 Max 170,000* LEADER * There are some exceptions for certain agricultural products and not-for-profit applicants EAFRD

38 What is the split between grant and own funds? Grant Funds Applicant Funds

39 Capital Expenditure: What can be grant funded? Assets that will produce economic growth Extension/expansion of existing operation Equipment that will allow you to enter new markets Significant changes to operation producing growth New technology but with some limitations But: Normal repairs and renewals are ineligible Revenue costs e.g. staff costs are ineligible for the grant but OK within the total project cost on applicant side is linked to the capital e.g. training costs

40 EAFRD East Surrey eligibility area NB: LEADER area differs slightly please refer to Magic Mapping website for eligibility

41 GROWTH PROGRAMME Who can apply? Business Size Number of Employees Annual turnover of balance sheet total Micro fewer than 10 and 2m (about 1.7million) or less Small fewer than 50 and 10m (about 8.5million) or less Medium fewer than 250 and 50 million (about 42 million) or less annual turnover OR 43 million (about 36.5million) or less annual balance sheet total

42 Growth Programme - Business Development Coast to Capital Specific Criteria Priority will be given to projects that: create new and expand existing micro and small businesses in rural areas in the following Coast to Capital priority sectors and their direct supply chains creating new jobs and growth of the applicant business: manufacturing of wood-based products and innovative products for the construction industry, including timber framed construction sustainable manufacturing where low carbon manufacturing methods and technologies are being applied advanced manufacturing health and Life Sciences creative, Digital and Information Technology (CDIT) Financial Services environmental technologies tourism construction introduce and implement innovation in the applicant business, manufacture by the applicant business of new products allow the applicant business to sell into new markets at home and abroad. Local grant minimum of 75,000 (note higher than national) Maximum grant rate for commercial projects will be 40%, usually up to 170,000 maximum, therefore minimum project size would be 189,000 ( 75k grant, 114k own funding)

43 Growth Programme - Food Processing Coast to Capital Specific Criteria Any size business can apply, but priority given to micro, small and medium-sized businesses. Priority will be given to projects that: create innovative products and / or use innovative technologies create new products access new markets create economic and employment growth boosting productivity and profitability invest in processing particularly horticultural products cheese production wine production strengthen supply chains, joint-ventures and partnershipworking such as shared distribution facilities include sustainable practices and the move to the low carbon economy as part of a larger project Priority will also be given to projects increasing the productivity of micro and small breweries and distilleries located in rural areas. Local grant minimum of 100,000 (note higher than national) Maximum grant rate for commercial projects will be 40%, usually up to 170,000 maximum, therefore minimum project size would be 250,000 ( 100k grant, 150k own funding)

44 Growth Programme - Tourism Infrastructure Coast to Capital Specific Criteria develop and increase active tourism, such as walking, cycling, sailing and equestrian activities encourage longer stays and higher spend by tourists in the rural parts of the LEP area show they are environmentally sustainable benefit multiple businesses and destinations, for example: cycle paths connecting rural attractions, and cultural and heritage assets link tourism to the wider economy, for example: creating links to food and drink businesses and increasing business tourism support achieving the aims of the C2C Rural Statement and relevant destination management plans Local grant minimum of 75,000 (note higher than national) Maximum grant rate for commercial projects will be 40%, usually up to 170,000 maximum, therefore minimum project size would be 189,000 ( 75k grant, 114k own funding)

45 Key Points to Note EAFRD Grants are for capital purchases not revenue Revenue costs e.g. training, fees etc have to be within the applicant 60% For commercial applicants the maximum intervention rate is 40% (own funding 60%) For commercial applicants the maximum grant is normally 200,000 (apprx 170,000) For not-for-profit/public bodies the intervention rate & maximum grant could be higher The projects must be growth projects; repairs, maintenance, renewals are ineligible The application process is a two-stage process: First Stage is a relatively straightforward Expression of Interest (EoI) Read the respective handbook and EoI guidance notes including local criteria This is assessed by Rural Payments Agency (RPA) and the local EAFRD committee If successful then applicant is invited to go to Full Application This stage is considerably more detailed and complex, very bureaucratic Deadline for EoI is end of May 2018, programme closes end 2020 final claim payments There is still plenty of grant money available both locally and nationally

46 Growth Programme examples of Successful Applicants Chobham Adventure Park The applicant converted a disused plant nursery into a new family based adventure farm park. The grant funded awarded was to specifically help to cover the costs of heating/ventilation of the play barn and development of outside play area. The aim of this was to support the growth in the business by providing allweather facilities allowing visitors to use the facilities all year round. As part of the EAFRD Growth Programme under the Rural Tourism Infrastructure theme they were awarded 33.6% grant towards the eligible project costs. They are within the Enterprise M3 LEP area. The project was completed late summer The project met its outputs including creating 7 FTEs, increasing the wage bill and they exceeded the predicted visitor numbers for year one. The site is proving very successful in the local area and there are plans for further expansions of the offer over the next few years.

47 LEADER grants supporting the rural economy February 2018 Cathy Miles - Rural Surrey

48 Rural Surrey LEADER grant funding o LEADER grants supporting the rural economy o Local people to address local problems o Local action group draws together local people creates a Local Development Strategy to identify and tackle local priorities o 138m allocated to 79 Local Action Groups in England. o To create jobs and growth in rural areas. o Capital grant scheme

49 Rural Surrey LEADER area

50 Projects and funding o Opened for applications November o Maximum grant up to 75,000 (or more for exceptional projects). o Primarily capital equipment, premises etc. o NOT running costs. o Maximum support rates: o o 40% for business, remainder own capital or loan finance. Up to 100% for some community projects. o Grants paid against confirmed expenditure.

51 Six LEADER priorities: National Policy o Increasing farm productivity o Support for micro/small businesses and farm diversification o Support for rural tourism o Provision of rural services o Cultural and heritage activity o Increasing forestry productivity

52 Increasing Farm Productivity o Projects to improve the overall performance and sustainability of an agricultural holding. o Investments to support animal health and welfare improvements. o Processing, developing and marketing agricultural products adding value. o Investments in reservoirs and irrigation. o Must be above standard agricultural practice. o Grant rate up to 40%.

53 Charrington Farms Increasing Farm Productivity GPS system with variable rate technology

54 Surrey Wildlife Trust Increasing Farm productivity Mobile sheep handling system

55 Small Business and Farm Diversification o Business start-ups. o New or existing premises. o Purchase of equipment. o Processing and marketing. o Grant rate up to 40%.

56 Gray s Dairy Gelato Farm Diversification The purchase of Gelato producing machines, fridges and freezers along with the conversion of a production room

57 Etherley Farm Farm Diversification Butchery unit Shop fittings Campsite showers and toilets

58 Park Farm Oxted Farm Diversification Equine facilities to give the ex dairy farm a new source of income

59 Coverwood Farm Farm Diversification Creation of a brand new on-farm butchery facility

60 Norbury Park Farm Cheeses Support for Micro and small businesses New maturing facilities to expand production in a tourist location

61 Silent Pool Distillery Support for Micro and small businesses New automated bottling line to increase no of bottles filled in one day

62 Chimney Fire Coffee Support for micro and small businesses Equipment to support larger production of roasted coffee and events

63 Taurus Wines Support for micro and small businesses Shop fitting to move to new premises and expand range of product and space for events

64 Rural Tourism o Develop high quality visitor products and services. o Extend the season and encourage visitors to stay and spend. o High quality accommodation where there is undersupply and wider benefits. o Access infrastructure paths, cycle-ways, interpretation. o IT such as e-booking systems o Grant rate 40%, 80% or 100% depending upon applicant and type of project.

65 Lockhurst Hatch Farm Support for Rural Tourism Conversion of old dairy into self contained holiday let apartment

66 Albury Vineyard Support for Rural Tourism New website and signage for self guided trails of vineyard

67 Rural Services o Setting up, improving or expanding essential rural services. o Creation, improvement or expansion of village infrastructure including community facilities and village access. o Projects that improve understanding of the countryside and rural areas. o Projects should contribute towards growing the local economy. o Grant rate 40%, 80% or 100% depending upon applicant and type of project.

68 Cultural and Heritage Activity o Cultural and natural heritage of villages and rural landscapes. o Conservation of small scale heritage. o Cultural and community activities. o Projects should promote growth in local economy. o Grant rate up to 100% depending on applicant and type of project.

69 Increasing Forestry Productivity o Investments in machinery and equipment. o Processing and marketing of products. o Developing wood-fuel supply chains. o Adding value to forest products. o Grant rate up to 40%.

70 Ben Nicholson Tree Services Ltd Increasing Forestry productivity Forestry guarded tractor Forwarding trailer

71 P & L Forestry Increasing Forestry productivity New barn for storing and drying wood for increased woodfuel sales

72 Process o 2 stage application process ( EOI and FA) o Appraisal o Project Selection Panel o Offer letter (contract) o Project monitoring o Grant paid on completion o Around three months start to outcome decision?

73 Progress to date o Our LEADER group has so far committed 615,020 to 18 projects. o Around 680,000 still to commit to projects o On our desk we have FA s totalling 280,000 o Remainder of funds must be committed before UK leaves the EU. o All Full Applications to be received by September 2018 o APPLY NOW. Complete an EOI

74 Contacts Rural Surrey contact Cathy Miles and Sarah Thiele Tel: / Website:

75 Business Support & Rural Funding Workshop PANEL Q & A Andrew Dennis Tourism South East Cathy Miles Rural Surrey Leader Simon Matthews Coast to Capital ESIF EAFRD Committee

76 SHAPING THE FUTURE The Destination Management Plan Sets out where you are now Where you hope to be in 2025 How you re going to get there if you don t know where you re heading, any road will you get you there if you re looking for funding, you ll need a plan

77 2025 The future is already here it s just not very evenly distributed William Gibson American Writer The Economist 2003

78 2025 Millennials will be grown up Late job start in life, student debt Living at home, supporting elderly parents Facing uncertainty in the workplace Sensations and Experiences Rising to a challenge Using all or many senses, totally immersed Using wearable technology Participating in an adventure

79 2025 New connectivity makes the world a smaller place Dispersed families keep in touch Easy to connect with like-minded people Streaming anytime, anywhere TVs and newspapers are becoming things of the past From reading to renting a car owning stuff is so last century Cash is fast disappearing

80 WHAT THIS MEANS Exploration More people live in cities Desire to break free countryside, days out, breaks, holidays People value their leisure time and holidays more than ever Polarisation Cash rich / time poor time rich / cash poor Rise of solos 25% of UK households 30% increase in over 65 s Life expectancy rises - being over 80 is mainstream

81 WHAT THIS MEANS Simplification Plan, book and go Create wish lists and purchase with one click Take a slower pace of life Retro pleasures books, slow food, cooking DIY weddings, celebrations, wakes

82 WHAT THIS MEANS Authenticity counts People think of themselves as travellers, not tourists Ageless travellers not acting their age Online trip planning starts at home Many visitors ask locals for advice and ideas Your mobile devices can detect where you are and know your preferences The local culture shapes the authentic visitor experience

83 Business Support & Rural Funding: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES What do you see as favourable situations over the next few years? And what do you see as interesting difficulties? Make notes on the flipchart and be prepared to report back

84 Business Support & Rural Funding Workshop Closing Remarks Simon Matthews