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New Training and Equipment Grants for Wood and Forest Businesses

23rd February 2007

A new scheme offering grants to forestry and wood businesses in the South West has been launched this week.

Woodworks has been designed to help small growing businesses across the whole of the area, following a highly successful Cornish project, of the same name, that has funded 80 businesses totalling £200,000 over the past eight years.

The new initiative is being jointly managed by the Stoke Climsland-based Silvanus Trust and Working the Woods, which covers the AONBs and National Park areas surrounding Plymouth. The grant can provide up to £375 towards the costs of training a new employee; up to £180 towards the costs of equipment and expenses for the new employee; a £50/week wage subsidy for 6 months; and help with business planning for those businesses with no current plan. The total fund available is £2000.

Will Frost of The Silvanus Trust said: "Many expanding businesses want to take on new staff but are worried about the costs of getting new recruits up to speed and this is where Woodworks can help. It can also help with the start-up of a new business".
Over the last ten years, the wood and forestry sector in the South West has been characterised by slow growth and under-investment but new markets are beginning to open up with the help of new technologies. Recreation is also beginning to generate income for woodland owners, whilst the market for sawn timber in construction and furnishings is growing. All this is leading to stronger demand and better prices, which is helping woodland owners and businesses to expand and plan for the future more positively than for many years.

Jacqui Orange from Working the Woods explains what she is looking for: "This is an excellent opportunity for small woodland businesses in the area that are looking to expand and need a little extra help. We are particularly keen to hear from businesses working in the timber in construction, wood fuel and woodland tourism sectors".

For details of how to apply for a grant, please contact Jacqui Orange, Working the Woods, c/o Tamar Valley AONB, Cotehele Quay, St Dominick, Cornwall, PL12 6TA. T. 01579 351316. E. jorange@tamarvalley.org.uk or visit www.woodmeet.net or Will Frost, the Silvanus Trust, Kyl Cober Parc, Stoke Climsland, Callington, Cornwall, PL17 8PH. T. 01579 372100. E. will.frost@silvanus.cornwall.ac.uk or visit www.silvanus.org.uk.

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