Welcome to the Harborough Business Bulletin. We provide a fortnightly overview of the latest business related news, initiatives and support packages.

Eligible businesses located in rural areas of Harborough District could benefit from capital grants between £5,000-£20,000 to support their business to diversify, innovate and grow. 

The grants are being managed and distributed by Harborough District Council using funding received from the government through the Rural England Prosperity Fund which is an extension of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.

The grant covers four themes:

• Farm business diversification

• Innovation and growth

• Green technology/infrastructure

• Rural tourism

The current closing date for applications is Monday 11th September 2023.

A new campaign that puts Leicester and Leicestershire’s regional food, drink and tourism on the map is ready to serve up a great menu! There's great food and drink flavours from an amazing selection of local businesses here. This exciting marketing campaign from Visit Leicester inspires and tickles the tastebuds of hungry visitors across 4 key themes:

Made Smarter has launched a £3 million digital adoption push to drive growth in manufacturing SMEs and help them boost productivity.

Digital experts will provide advice and support to manufacturing businesses on how to switch to advanced and automated technologies. The programme provides digital transformation road mapping, leadership development, grant funding and access to industrial digital technology expertise to help with implementation until 31st March 2025.

The possibilities are endless with digital tech. Whatever problem you’re facing, or whatever goal you’re working towards, Made Smarter can find a smarter solution. You will be helped to:

• Improve capacity

• Maximise efficiency

• Reduce lead times

• Increase profits

Made Smarter Adoption is open to small and medium-sized manufacturing and engineering businesses that have manufacturing premises in Leicestershire. Register your interest now to see if you are eligible for free support.

Market Harborough-based drink producer Marty's has received a highly prized Great Taste award for its popular Spiced Tomato Juice.

Paula Raubenheimer from Marty’s said: “Being recognised with an award as noteworthy as a Great Taste Award means so much to independent producers. Great Taste is one of the most recognised accolades for taste and quality in the food and drink industry, we are honoured to have their stamp of approval on our product. Having just received a Double Gold at the international Aurora Awards in July, we are so proud to be adding the prestigious black and gold Great Taste badge of honour to our list of achievements.”

Marty's describe their business as "proud to be a brand with big aspirations and a strong social and environmental conscience."

British Food Fortnight 2023 will be taking place from 16th September to 1st October 2023. This is the 22nd year of the national celebration of the diverse and delicious food that Britain produces, and is set to be the biggest and most popular yet with communities and organisations across the country making plans to take part.

Love British Food has put together lots of advice and ideas of how retailers, food service and hospitality businesses can increase sales of British food and showcase local produce. Events such as special menus, tasting sessions and local food trails are great ways for businesses to get involved and promote the best their local area has to offer.