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Leader Grants
- Thread starter davidc
- Start date
We got ours after I nearly gave up a few times, it's not fir a lot of money but as they say every little helps. They seem to want to go to the far end of a fart re evidence and asked us to get another quote for one item as two of the companies we got quotes from had offices in the same building.
Lots of paper chasing but just sent the first claim in so will see how it goes and report back.
Lots of paper chasing but just sent the first claim in so will see how it goes and report back.
Mine went in yesterday, we tweaked it down to 35% from 40% in a hope to win them over.
Not happy giving them farm accounts but if successful it will be v v generous so with it.
Not happy giving them farm accounts but if successful it will be v v generous so with it.
We got 40% but just on half the project for technical reasons but if they pay out ok it's going to help a lot.
I do know they have money in the pot in most areas that they need to spend asap or they have to send it all back so as long as you fit the criteria you should be ok @Doing it for the kids.
Our idea is to invest now in diversification and adding value before the sh1t hits the fan if we do eventually leave Europe
OT
I do know they have money in the pot in most areas that they need to spend asap or they have to send it all back so as long as you fit the criteria you should be ok @Doing it for the kids.
Our idea is to invest now in diversification and adding value before the sh1t hits the fan if we do eventually leave Europe
OT
Typical, day after i submitted they raised the threshold to 100k!
- Location
- Cornwall
Hi all, Sorry to hijack thread. looking for some advise, I really want to expand our business which is "The Cornish Lamb Co." we sell grassfed lamb direct to restaurants and farmers markets etc and have a very good reputation already. At the moment all deliveries to restaurants are done by our local abattoir/wholesale butcher. They do a good job and dont charge us for this but do get it wrong sometimes or forget to deliver, i think we could do alot more business with restaurants if we had our own delivery van, better website, farm refrigeration/ packing area and advertising
Would this be eligible under leader funding and does it have to be a brand new van? We took on a Farm Tenancy back in September last year so cash flow is very very tight and really restricting the growth of the business.
second question, leader funding only funding 50% of the project the only way we could raise the other 50% would be to get a business loan. Would we be mad to do this?
Many thanks
Steve
Would this be eligible under leader funding and does it have to be a brand new van? We took on a Farm Tenancy back in September last year so cash flow is very very tight and really restricting the growth of the business.
second question, leader funding only funding 50% of the project the only way we could raise the other 50% would be to get a business loan. Would we be mad to do this?
Many thanks
Steve
I have just been granted mine, 20 min interview with 6 on the panel. My project didnt tick many boxes but I manage to wing it. Apparantly I was very knowledgable and enthusitic! 
If you have a sound business plan which looks like it should be viable then you have a good chance. There are many hoops to jump through and they will want to know all about you and your accounts but for the value they bring it's well worth.
You will need to spend some on it though, the forms are v detailed and they will check up on all that you say so if you have to be clever, be very clever!
If you have a sound business plan which looks like it should be viable then you have a good chance. There are many hoops to jump through and they will want to know all about you and your accounts but for the value they bring it's well worth.
You will need to spend some on it though, the forms are v detailed and they will check up on all that you say so if you have to be clever, be very clever!
We have a very similar business to you. Ours was to put in a farm shop as we are already doing the cutting and delivery etc. I was not involved with the grant but we used a couple who helped us with the work to get the grant as that's what they specialise in (quite a lot of.work I believe when your already busy). If you want any details etc I can find out. PM me if you want.
PS - did you get a Henry Plumb grant as I'm sure I have been led to your website before?
Yes. I looked at your website quick and recognised your funky branded badge. I'm sure someone said have a look previously.
- Location
- Cornwall
Yeh we did get a grant from the Plumb Foundation, Had all the application pack come through today for the leader grant. looks complicated!
The leader grants are great but totally reliant on you increasing employment, it's the only real measure they look at. The employee must be new and employed by you not another part of your production chain.
The other thing is they are very strict and check up on everything, we had to get a different quote for one of our things because one firm had worked for the other firm in the past. They will check what computer the invoices are written on and when so no self invoicing or getting an invoice prior to work being carried out so you can claim before spending the money. They also check the money has gone out of your account and been revived by the invoices account. I believe they do over forty checks on each quote and invoice.
Getting the grat is only 25% of the task in my opinion
The other thing is they are very strict and check up on everything, we had to get a different quote for one of our things because one firm had worked for the other firm in the past. They will check what computer the invoices are written on and when so no self invoicing or getting an invoice prior to work being carried out so you can claim before spending the money. They also check the money has gone out of your account and been revived by the invoices account. I believe they do over forty checks on each quote and invoice.
Getting the grat is only 25% of the task in my opinion
Is this so bad though? I find it quite refreshing that such a generous grant is checked so much.
I hate paper work and hoop jumping as much as the next guy but the grant will cover my wage bill for 9 months!
If it was easy there would be so much fraud
That's what I think as well but it does mean a hell of a lot more paperwork for us honest guys. When you have to cross reference every photo, invoice, map reference date and sign the photos etc etc and they only except them in paper form so you can't email them over.
Just warning folk it's not even half the job getting the funding, the real hard work is actually claiming it
OT
Yeah I see your point. Depends how complex the project is.
I am anticipating showing them 3 invoices for the total project so hope mine will be easier than most
I am anticipating showing them 3 invoices for the total project so hope mine will be easier than most
- Location
- Northumberland
Don`t think they will grant aid vehicle purchase, everything else on your list would qualify
Hi guys, I’m currently finishing up my application to Leader for a cheese processing\ production facility. I have 12 low cost items but struggling to get 3 quotes for everything, think 2 will be my limit before the deadline. Did anyone have success providing just 2 quotes or are they particularly fussy?
If you can justify why then I think you will be fine. They just want to feel that you are trying to get value for money and not take the pee!