Kent businesses respond to government's new hospitality scheme
£10 million will be available to pubs, restaurants, and cafes across the UK
Earlier this week the government announced a new £10 million Hospitality Grant Scheme to boost local pubs, restaurants, and cafes across the UK.
The three-year initiative aims to invigorate the hospitality sector by supporting new business ventures, reclaiming vacant properties, and fostering training programmes to develop crucial skills for future careers.
Local Response
Lucy Wilman has been running the café in Ramsgate's Union Café and Yoga studio for over a year, she told us support is much needed in local hospitality:
"I think that will be a huge, improvement in Kent, because there are a lot of really nice hospitality cafes, particularly in Ramsgate, a lot of the time the the only reason that they're suffering is because they just need a little bit more money injected into them.
"So I think that would actually be a massive help."
On the areas where support could be best placed she highlighted the cost of food and difficulties with signage:
"I think also the the cost of stock, because food has just rocketed, but things like marketing and equipment also.
"I think just across the board signage is something that I really notice gets sort of fallen by the wayside, in a lot of Ramsgate where places aren't usually discovered because they don't have good signs outside or they've not been able to spend very much money on them
"So, that's something that I'd definitely be looking into getting nice awnings and artwork in the window and that kind of thing.
"But yeah, generally it's probably stock."
Government Plans
Notable among the beneficiaries is the non-profit organisation Pub is The Hub, earmarked with over £3 million to help rural pubs diversify into vital community hubs, incorporating amenities like village stores and community cafes.
The scheme also highlights efforts like The Right Course, which transformed prison staff restaurants into hospitality training facilities, providing inmates with valuable real-world experience.
Minister for the Future of Work, Kate Dearden said:
“Hospitality venues are where communities come together and where many people get their first experience of work. They create jobs and help our towns and neighbourhoods to thrive.
“This funding will back local businesses to grow, boost opportunities for people across the UK and support growth in every part of the country.”