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Wakefield business receives first award of mayor's new £2.5million Rural Funds scheme
06 November 2023
Small businesses across West Yorkshire’s rural communities are starting to benefit from a new £2.5million Rural Fund, Mayor Tracy Brabin has announced – with a Wakefield business being the first recipient.
With awards of up to £50,000 to help rural businesses develop new products, purchase machinery and improve facilities, Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, made her first award to Birkwood Plant Training in Crofton, Wakefield – a construction training business with a 20-year heritage.
On a visit to the family run business, the mayor learnt how the investment will create two new jobs and a purpose-built training facility, with plans to work with local suppliers and appoint local tradespeople to make the improvements.
Mayor Brabin said: “Rural businesses are vital to our wider economy, and I’m thrilled that communities are starting to benefit from our fund. It’s fantastic that our support for Birkwood will allow more people to be trained in the construction sector and boost well-paid jobs."
With more set to be approved over the coming months and with applications still open, small businesses of up to 50 employees based in rural areas of West Yorkshire can apply for awards of up to £50,000.
To find out more come along to the free Rural Fund Workshop - To get tickets click here.