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Grant process is too complicated

Wondering whether to apply for grant assistance?

Feel that the process is too complicated?

Mr and Mrs Hall from 'The New Ryton Hotel' in Blackpool wanted to improve their hotel frontage so decided to give it a go and have not looked back since...here is their step-by-step guide to applying...

They called the Invest in the Best office on 477340 and were sent an initial enquiry form, asking for what they intended to do and when.

They completed and returned the form, and once this had been checked for the eligible area, project and timescale (work must take place between October and March), they were accepted and sent a full application pack.

Mr & Mrs Hall were unsure how to answer a couple of questions on the application form and were struggling to obtain two quotations, so they called the project coordinator, Nuala Byrne, to explain their difficulties. Nuala reassured them that her role was to assist all applicants and would be happy to visit them and complete the remainder of the form together.

At the visit the grant process was explained in full and the additional paperwork completed. Mr & Mrs Hall were able to ask any questions they had about the scheme, and even at this stage they were under no obligation to continue with their application.

Nuala explained that all applicants must have a recognised Accreditation Award or willing to be accredited within 12 months following completion of their project. In addition, all applicants must provide a business plan to show their commitment toward the project and arrange a free visit from a Tourism Support Bureau. Mr and Mrs Hall already had an accreditation and were working with the Tourism Support Bureau who came out to help them write their business plan.

To assist Mr and Mrs Hall in obtaining more quotations, Nuala explained about the 'Homes Services Directory' available from Trading Standards at Blackpool Council. This is a list of tradesmen who have undergone a number of basic checks including complaints and criminal records.

Based on these discussions, Mr and Mrs Hall decided to upgrade the frontage of their property with new double-glazing, re-painting, and a new sign, and internally decided to apply for an upgrade to their central heating system. Mr and Mrs Hall agreed to send Nuala their business plan and quotations in the next couple of weeks to make sure all the paperwork was complete for the grant panel.

In October Nuala presented their application to the panel and it was approved for 50% grant funding for the frontage improvements and 25% grant for the internal project. This grant was then reserved for Mr and Mrs Hall until they had completed and paid for their project in full. Mr and Mrs Hall received their grant assistance within 30 days following completion of the project.

Mr and Mrs Hall now have a frontage that reflects the inside quality of their hotel. They commented:

" We couldn't be happier... and the grant process couldn't have been easier. We are delighted with the result and feel it was well worth doing."

43 accommodation providers have already received grant assistance ...you could be next