Two Forest of Dean businesses have been granted over £22,000 in Rural Business Grant funding.

Forest Deli in Coleford and Plump Hill Farm in Longhope have been granted a total of £22,508, which will be split between them, to make improvements to their businesses.

The funding comes from the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF).

Cllr Johnathan Lane, Forest of Dean District Council cabinet member for the economy, said: "We have some fantastic local businesses in the Forest of Dean and, as a council, we're always looking at more ways to support them. So it's brilliant to be able to offer more funding through the Rural England Prosperity Fund.

"Both of these businesses are key to their local community and the Forest of Dean's diverse economy so it's great to be able to award both this funding."

He added: "There will be another round of funding in the coming weeks, so I'd like to take this opportunity to remind any local businesses that are interested, to sign up to the council's Business Matters email bulletin or follow our social media channels for more information."

The rural business grant was established after the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs identified the Forest of Dean as an eligible location for Rural England Prosperity funding. The aim of the REPF is to improve the productivity of rural areas and its goals are linked to the Shared Prosperity Fund.

In Autumn last year, both businesses took part in an open expression of interest process and were successfully chosen by an application panel. The projects of both businesses are as follows:

• Plump Hill Farm in Longhope, a local business specialising in farming and food production will use the grant to install a solar system and security cameras for their off-grid farm to improve the safety and welfare of their animals.
• Forest Deli in Coleford, a local delicatessen will use their grant to expand the sale of their own branded products and to significantly increase the area they use to grow their ingredients, whilst also improving their kitchen and equipment.

There will be another round of applications opening on January 24 to give more businesses the chance to apply for funding.

More information on REPF and other business funding opportunities, including how to apply, can be found on the council's Finance and Funding page.