More than 130 business representatives and community leaders gathered at a special event in Clacton to learn how they can benefit from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), a government initiative aimed at bolstering local economies and improving community resources in Tendring.
Tendring District Council (TDC) has been allocated £563,028 from the fund for the 2025/26 financial year. Of this, £345,000 will be made available through an open application process, enabling locally-driven projects that enhance communities, support businesses, and improve employment opportunities. Additional funding will be distributed through targeted initiatives.
To guide applicants through the funding process, TDC hosted an informative event at Clacton’s Princes Theatre on Wednesday, March 12. Attendees received insights into available grants, including the ‘Shopfront Improvement’ grants, ‘Extend the Season’ event grants, and ‘Widening Participation in Sport’ grants. A networking session followed, allowing participants to connect and discuss potential projects.
Ivan Henderson, Deputy Leader of TDC and Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration, and Tourism, expressed enthusiasm about the strong turnout.
“It was fantastic to see so many people engage with this initiative, and I hope to see many applications for UKSPF grants,” Henderson said. “Over the past three years, TDC has successfully facilitated £1.18 million in UKSPF funding, largely in the form of grants for local businesses and community groups. I encourage people to put forward innovative projects that can drive economic growth and enhance the quality of life for residents.”
All grants must be utilized, and projects must be completed by March 31, 2026. Funding will be distributed across three core areas: Communities and Place, Supporting Local Business, and People and Skills.
TDC will begin accepting applications for the fourth year of UKSPF funding, as well as for the Shopfront Improvement and Extend the Season grants, from Monday, April 7, to Sunday, June 1. Application forms will be available on the council’s website. To ensure a fair selection process, formal assessments will commence only after the application period closes. Applicants who submit incomplete information will be notified before the deadline to make necessary revisions.
Applications for the ‘Widening Participation in Sport’ grants are expected to open at the end of May.
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