Firms urged to bid for grants after more than £1million awarded

A total of 79 awards were made and it is estimated they have supported the creation of 125 jobs.

Now, additional funding has been awarded to Fenland to enable further business support grant awards — and firms are being encouraged to bid for it. The deadline for 'expressions of interest' is Monday, July 14.

"This is incredible news"

Cllr Steve Count, Fenland District Council's portfolio holder for economic growth, said: "This is incredible news for Fenland.

"The grant awards made to date show real value for money. They've supported our local entrepreneurs and business people to do what they do best, grow and create employment opportunities.

"Now we have additional funds to allocate as grants and we're keen to hear from businesses who can put that support to good use."

"It was an absolute game changer for us."

U-Wood Bespoke Designs, launched by March born and bred owner Kev Banks in 2013 and based at Norwood Road Industrial Estate, in the town, received an Investment in Business grant in October 2024.

The grant has allowed Kev's bespoke designs with wood business to take a pivotal step forward.

Before applying, the company had been working with a large national firm, but as orders increased, Kev needed to invest in an 8x4 CNC Router Machine to reduce production time on their orders. The grant has allowed him to take on larger orders from that customer, as well as be involved in the initial design concept for new products, and expand into other markets.

Previously U-Wood Bespoke Designs employed only Kev and one other, Kieran Marchant. Now Kev has a further two part-time employees and an apprentice-level worker two-days a week, with the potential to increase further as the demand for the CNC machining service increases.

Kev said: "It was an absolute game changer for us. My advice to other businesses would be don't be afraid to apply.

"My first thought was 'I'm not a big enough company, I don't know why I'm bothering.' But these grants are available for everyone. I thought it was unachievable but then when I was made aware we'd been successful, I was like 'wow'.

"That step forward for our business would have been unachievable without this. With progression comes cost and it's a big risk. Without the grant we probably wouldn't have taken it and would have stayed where we were.

"I'd encourage other businesses to apply."

Family business A M Horseboxes, of Tydd St Giles, secured a grant to support the development of new products to further enhance and create a more modern horsebox design.

The business relies on the dedication of its seven-strong existing team, led by husband and wife founders Andy and Sue Mews, and, thanks to increasing growth can offer further employment when a suitably skilled candidate can be found.

Sue said: "This grant helped elevate our product and business to the next level.

"Without it, we wouldn't have been able to take that next step.

"I'd encourage other businesses to apply. The application process is easier than you may think, and the team are very helpful."

"When businesses grow and thrive, so do our communities."

Paul Bristow, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, said:"When businesses grow and thrive, so do our communities. This is exactly the kind of partnership working that delivers real results, with the Combined Authority working hand-in-hand with Fenland District Council to back local businesses with the funding and support they need to succeed."

A total of £731,000 was awarded through the 'Investment in Business' and 'Fenland Start-Up Business Support Programme,' delivered by Fenland District Council's economic growth team Fenland for Business.

The grants were funded by the UK Government's Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) Shared Prosperity Fund thanks to a successful bid by Fenland District Council in partnership with Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA).

A further £272,500 was awarded through 'Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF)' grants. The grants were delivered by Fenland for Business thanks to funding awarded to Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority by the Government's Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

• For further details of grants available and eligibility criteria, see: Investment in Business grants

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June 2025