Local enterprises, ranging from farm shops and cafes to innovative food and drink producers, are vital to the fabric of communities throughout Buckinghamshire. These businesses not only provide employment and attract visitors but also bolster local supply chains and offer essential services. Recognising their importance, Buckinghamshire Council has implemented its ‘Bucks Rural Business Grant programme’ to support investment and growth within these firms.
The initiative aims to help local businesses expand, sustain jobs, and continue serving their customer base. Steven Broadbent, Leader of Buckinghamshire Council, has witnessed firsthand the positive impact of this support. He highlighted the crucial role these businesses play in maintaining the character and vitality of the county's towns, villages, and countryside.
"Rural businesses are a huge part of what makes Buckinghamshire such a great place to live, work and visit," stated Broadbent. "They provide valued local jobs, support our communities and help sustain the character and vitality of our towns, villages and countryside. They play a key role in life in our county and its identity and supporting them is part of our wider priority of ensuring our communities are thriving."
The grant programme has funded a variety of projects, including expansions and new developments. Three businesses benefiting from the scheme illustrate its impact: The Real Drinks Company near Waddesdon has expanded its production facilities for non-alcoholic fermented drinks, introducing new product lines and increasing employment. They received over £150,000 in grant funding, supplemented by private investment.
Pitchcott Hill Farm, near Aylesbury, is transforming underused farm buildings into a cafe, shop, kitchen, and studio space focused on food, wellbeing, and nature-based learning. This expansion, supported by £300,000 in grant funding towards a total project cost of nearly £850,000, has broadened their offering and created more jobs.
Furthermore, Aedda's Farm Distillery near Winslow is developing a visitor and events centre to boost rural tourism and business diversification. With £95,000 in grant funding and a further £144,000 of their own investment, they are creating new enterprises alongside farming, reducing business risk and supporting local supply chains.
“"We’ve been in business for about ten years always here in Buckinghamshire. We employ around 25 people and we are growing that team fast. The council’s been instrumental for us in funding to help us put new equipment in, allowing us to expand, employ more people and produce a greater quantity of drinks."
“"It’s great to welcome people here from the local community and provide a place for people to connect to each other and connect with their local environment. Our café also lets people connect to nature through food. We use really good quality ingredients that we provide through local farmers and local businesses in the area – it’s very rustic and natural and we are at the heart of the local community here."
