Local projects benefit from SPF grants

Newtown has received a significant boost to its local economy, with three projects in the area being granted funding from Powys County Council.

The grants, totalling £477,320, were awarded as part of the Shared Prosperity Funding (SPF) scheme, aimed at supporting local businesses and promoting economic growth.

1. The Newtown Fashion Technology Academy, operated by NPTC Group of Colleges, received a £200,000 grant to establish a state-of-the-art facility in the heart of Newtown. This new academy aims to provide training and education in the field of fashion technology, in collaboration with Fashion Enter.
   
   
2. Gwasg Treftadaeth Gregynog, also known as Gwasg Gregynog, was awarded £45,000 to conduct a feasibility study for the creation of a new visitor attraction. The proposed attraction would be based on the historical importance of the printing press at Gregynog Hall, located near Newtown.
   
   
3. Antur Cymru's Trading Space project secured £232,320 to establish a pop-up high street shop in Newtown. This shop will provide a platform for local entrepreneurs to test the sales potential of their products and services, while also receiving business coaching from Antur Cymru.

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The grants were distributed by the Powys SPF Local Partnership Board, under the theme of Supporting Local Business. This board, supported by Powys County Council's Economic Development and Regeneration Team, aims to allocate the £26 million SPF funding received by Powys for the years 2022-2025.

Cllr David Selby, the council's Cabinet Member for a More Prosperous Powys and Chair of the Powys SPF Local Partnership Board, stressed the objectives of the funding were to create jobs, foster community cohesion, promote networking and collaboration, and increase private sector investment in growth-enhancing activities. The funding seeks to support existing industries, bring businesses and partners together, and provide targeted support to small and medium-sized businesses.

The grants awarded to Newtown projects are part of a larger group of 32 projects throughout Powys that received funding.

These projects cover a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, tourism, energy efficiency, digital connectivity, and social enterprise support.

The Powys SPF Local Partnership comprises various organizations and entities, such as Powys County Council, Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority, and Powys Teaching Health Board. It also includes NPTC Group of Colleges, Business Wales, Mid Wales Regional Skills Partnership, and Mid Wales Tourism, among others.