Seven rural businesses across Lichfield District are set to benefit from a share of more than £120,000 of funding, thanks to investment through the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF).
The grants will help small rural enterprises to grow, diversify and strengthen the local economy, supporting new business opportunities, farm diversification projects and improved sustainability.
This latest funding forms part of the council’s wider commitment to investing in local business and economic growth through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Lichfield 2050 strategy, which together aim to create thriving, sustainable communities and a stronger district economy.
Following a competitive application process, the successful recipients are:
- Manor Farm (Rymans Christmas) – £20,996
- Ridware Enterprises Ltd (St James Events) – £8,126
- Forest Lodges Elford / Model Farm – £30,000
- Gartmore Riding School Riding for the Disabled Group – £28,000
- Harnce – £17,150
- J C Hulme & Son – £6,189
- Hollywell Farm Agricultural Ltd – £9,800
Projects range from new visitor and community facilities to sustainable energy improvements and farm diversification schemes.
Councillor Janice Silvester-Hall, Cabinet Member for Visitor Economy, Ecology & Climate Change, said:
“This investment is helping our rural businesses to innovate, create new opportunities and keep money flowing into our local economy.
“From family-run farms to visitor attractions and specialist enterprises, these projects all contribute to the strength and diversity of our district’s rural communities.”
The Rural England Prosperity Fund is part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which we administer locally. Since its launch, the programme has supported multiple rural enterprises across the district; from farms and event venues to social enterprises, ensuring that investment directly benefits local people and places.
Councillor Silvester-Hall added:
“Rural businesses are the backbone of our local economy. These grants are about helping them grow, adapt and continue providing jobs and services that sustain our villages and market towns.”
The Rural England Prosperity Fund forms part of the council’s wider Lichfield 2050 strategy, supporting its vision for prosperous communities where entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainable growth thrive.
Tracy Francis and the team of trustees at Gartmore Riding School Riding for the Disabled Group.
(RDA) said:
“We are incredibly grateful to receive support from the Rural England Prosperity Fund, which will enable us to create a fully accessible, all-weather Movement Hub at Gartmore Riding School Riding RDA group.
“This innovative space will allow us to deliver inclusive physical activity, sensory sessions, and adapted sport for children, adults with disabilities and those with long-term health conditions in addition to our Riding For RDA riders.
“The Movement Hub responds directly to the needs of our community — many of whom face barriers to accessing mainstream sport. With this funding, we can offer new opportunities for local participants each year, create new offerings for the community, and expand our work with schools, families, and local authorities.
“We’re proud to be based in Lichfield District, and this investment will help us build a healthier, more active, and more connected community.”
A session participant at Gartmore Riding School Riding for the Disabled Group said:
“As a disabled mum, it can sometimes be challenging to find fun activities that suit both my son’s interests and my own abilities.
“Today ticked all the boxes, we really enjoyed the archery, bean bag throwing games, and the head/shoulders/noses and treasure game. We laughed so much! My son was absolutely chuffed with his participation rosette too. The people running the session engaged well with him and struck the right level of encouraging while not overpowering him.
“The beautiful surroundings made the day even more special, and saying hello to Wispy the horse was such a lovely surprise.”