Fund helps Flintshire start-ups, micro and small businesses

The Flintshire Tourism Growth Fund, led by Cadwyn Clwyd, has supported 36 local business across the county, awarding a total of £455,000 to successful applicants to ensure they stay ahead of the curve after a challenging wet and windy summer.

The Flintshire Tourism Growth Fund project is funded by UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and is overseen by Flintshire County Council.

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The project has provided funding to new start-ups, micro and small businesses based in Flintshire. A range of successful projects benefitted from the funding, from businesses introducing new services and expanding their current markets to the introduction of carbon reduction technologies.

The Fund is administered by social enterprise Cadwyn Clwyd, as part of their UKSPF £4.75m wider package to support communities and businesses in North East Wales.

One of the businesses that received funding was Emlyn's Coppice - Woodland Glamping. They received £4,630 to install a wood fired sauna for guests.

Emlyn's Coppice - Woodland Glamping.

Emlyn's Coppice's chief woodsman, Nic Breeze, said: "The tourism industry in Wales has suffered this year from the horrendous weather, and the more normalised return to travel abroad.

"Yet, we've still managed to grow our occupancy rates, and a lot of that is down to this funding which has enabled us to steer ahead of the curve for once, installing a wood fired sauna as a brand-new feature to our glamping experience.

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"Without funding, we may have had to put off the project for another year or two as profit margins tightened, which in turn could have stalled our business. Without constant innovation and improvement, people drift to the next 'best thing'."

A recent UK Tourism Consumer Tracker report states that the cost-of-living crisis is 'almost certainly' impacting tourists' behaviour, with nearly 7 in 10 of the population consider themselves either 'hit hard' or 'being cautious and careful' as a result of the crisis.

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The report also states people are now more likely to look for 'free things to do' while on holiday and that the appeal of overseas travel may also be dampening local domestic tourism.

Catherine Davies, from Trelan Farm Luxury Glamping in Flintshire, has seen first-hand the effect of market saturation and the cost-of-living crisis. They were awarded £17,500 through the Flintshire Tourism Growth Fund to install a new luxurious cabin on their glamping site.

Catherine said, "There's no denying that the tourism industry faces challenges, especially in recent years with market saturation and the cost-of-living crisis. However, with our new luxurious cabin, Leo's Lookout, we hope to attract new markets.

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"The funding and support we've received have been invaluable. We were undecided about adding a fourth cabin, and this funding has made a significant difference. It has allowed us to enhance the longevity and sustainability of our business.

"One of the best aspects of Flintshire Tourism Growth Fund is the positive ripple effect it has locally. We now work with three village-based cleaners, local photographers, and most of our guests visit nearby pubs, shops, and attractions, contributing to the local economy."

Cara Roberts, tourism officer and fund manager at Cadwyn Clwyd said, "The funding under the Shared Prosperity Fund has provided a much-needed boost to tourism businesses during the challenges of the cost of living crisis.

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"It has enabled 36 businesses to develop new products, services and incorporate new technologies into their businesses whilst also supporting some businesses to work reduce their carbon emissions. The fund has also created 20 jobs and safeguarded 150 jobs within Flintshire."

The funding is part of the UK Government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which will have provided £2.6bn funding for local investment across the UK by the end of this year.

For more information about Cadwyn Clwyd please visit: https://cadwynclwyd.co.uk.