In April 2022, the government launched the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), to replace the European Union funded structural funds.

The primary goal of the UKSPF is to build pride in place and increase life chances across the UK. This aligns with the Levelling Up White Paper missions. Funding is targeted where it is needed most: building pride in place, supporting high quality skills training, supporting pay, employment and productivity growth and increasing life chances.

The council has been allocated £7,545,330 to be spent between 2022 and 2025, of which, £903,194 is for ‘Multiply’ adult numeracy support which is subject to a separate decision. The government announced approval of the Investment Plan on the 5 December 2022, and Cabinet took the decision to accept and spend these funds on 15 December, 2022

https://councillors.herefordshire.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=9216

This commission relates to a package of business support to be delivered up to end of March 2025. Under the Community and Places Investment Priority, this business support will deliver measure E4, which supports enhancing existing cultural, historic and heritage institutions and results in an improved perception of facilities and amenities in Herefordshire, increased footfall, and more events and participatory programmes.

The tailored business support will help Herefordshire cultural institutions to improve their business performance or operation, and include business operation advice, marketing and branding expertise, innovation and the adoption of digital technology, help to reach new customers and markets, staff training and support in applying for arts funding to improve future sustainability.

Any organisation or business with a legal status will be eligible for support. This may include local authorities, public sector organisations, higher and further education institutions, private sector companies, voluntary organisations, registered charities or local cultural businesses. The advice will not be open to individuals, unconstituted organisations or those registered outside Herefordshire.

A third party consultant will be contracted according to council procedure rules to deliver the project. The consultant will manage the relationship with local cultural organisations and deliver advice and training on behalf of Herefordshire Council to meet agreed outcomes and outputs. The project will be overseen and administered by the Culture and Leisure Lead for Herefordshire Council.