£10m Hospitality Grant Scheme launched for independent pubs, restaurants and cafes
 The government has launched a new grant scheme which aims to invest in projects that help to get new hospitality ventures off the ground, bring vacant premises back into use, or support training programmes that help people develop the skills, confidence and work ethic to open doors to future careers.
For example, non-profit The Right Course used pilot funding to help transform two prison staff restaurants and kitchens into a hospitality training facility, providing inmates with valuable experience in a realistic, high-street-style working environment.
Build your workforce and unlock potential through Connect to Work
Connect to Work is a government funded programme which can provide your business with fully-funded in-work retention support for existing employees who have complex barriers such as health conditions or disabilities.
- They provide free, voluntary wraparound support
- 4 months of tailoured assistance
- Help to reduce staff turnover
- Support to overcome employement challenges
- Build confidence and wellbeing in your workforce
- Progress staff in their roles
Whether your are looking to improve your inclusive hiring practices, find new employees or support your existing staff, find out more at the following link.
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Secretary of State’s decision to pause local government reorganisation
You will have seen the headlines in recent weeks heralding the government’s decision to pause local government reorganisation (LGR) in Kent and Medway.
We have been assured the review will take place as quickly as possible.
It will be looking at all aspects of the proposals on the table and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is not yet able to give us an indication of timescales or the impact on the overall reorganisation timetable.
The geographies of any new unitary councils will not be confirmed until the review has finished.
While we assess the implications of what is an unexpected development, we wanted to reassure you that our work on LGR will not be wasted, whatever happens. We are determined to provide the best possible services for those who live, work and study in the borough.
Helping the wider economy to grow and doing all we can to boost business so it can provide jobs and create prosperity is at the heart of what we do.
Councils across Kent and Medway have a long tradition of working together and that has been cemented by the local government reorganisation process.
The work and planning we’ve undertaken so far will certainly be incredibly valuable – strong relationships have been built, knowledge shared and best practices have started to be adopted.
Rest assured, while ministers decide what our next steps are, every one of us will be focused on delivering the best possible services we can while building Kent and Medway’s economy.
Heating engineers: install a funded heat pump in your home
Heating engineers can take part in a scheme which allows them to upgrade their own homes with the latest heating technology, and gain hands-on experience by turning training into practice. By installing a heat pump with Start at Home, you'll get ahead and be ready to offer heat pumps to your customers.
How it works
- Sign up with a scheme provider.
- Get the heat pump kit you need, funded by a government grant (up to £7,500 of heat pump kit). Note that you may have to pay for some things, like upgrading to a bigger heat pump, extra kit or electrical works.
- Get support with design and installation.
- Build knowledge and confidence with customers.
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