Rural businesses in the Tees Valley are set to benefit from £1m funding which will also go towards developing the market town of Guisborough in a huge boost for tourism and the local economy.

Under the Rural Development for England (RDPE) programme One North East has awarded Redcar and Cleveland Council the funding on behalf of other local authorities in the Tees Valley.

The funding aims to ensure that 24 jobs will be safeguarded, 12 jobs created and 30 businesses supported over the next 18 months.

Money will go towards the development of farm diversifications and rural micro-enterprises in the Tees Valley. The aim is to stimulate business growth and development by helping rural businesses to diversify and expand, therefore improving the local economy and increasing employment opportunities.

Funding will also be invested in the Market Town Investment Programme in and around Guisborough to enhance the town and its facilities.  The key objective is to establish a centre of regional significance that increases the town’s profile as an activity tourism hub and entrance to the North York Moors National Park, which attracts additional visitor numbers to the area.

Alan Clarke, One North East’s Chief Executive, said: “This funding will encourage rural business in the Tees Valley to further expand and develop, contributing towards an improved rural economy.  Investments in the Guisborough Market Town area will encourage local people, businesses and tourists to recognise the area’s potential and work together towards further developing the town as an attractive place to live, work and visit.

“This investment is key to establishing areas of rural Tees Valley as viable for business and attractive to visitors, which together are essential elements for economic growth.”

Rural businesses interested in applying for funding should contact David Hitchens in the LEGI Enterprise team on (01642) 495744. Enquiries regarding support for Guisborough projects should be made to Ian Stewart on (01642) 771272.
The Rural Development Programme for England 2007-2013 is jointly funded by Defra and the European Union, with the aim of delivering targeted support to rural businesses and communities. It is managed in North East England by One North East, Natural England and the Forestry Commission.

The RDPE investment being managed by One North East combines larger projects to help many businesses in different sectors of the rural economy - including bioenergy and land-based skills, and projects adding value to agricultural and forestry products - with smaller investments to help individual businesses to start-up, grow or diversify, and support to develop more sustainable rural communities.

For further information on the full package of support, visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/northeast.orcall Tel: 0845 600 9006.
For more information on , visit: www.rdpenortheast.co.uk

Relevant Links

DEFRA

RDPE in North East England