CASE STUDIES
Spotlight on Rural Development and Diversification: Real Stories, Real Impact
We continue our series of case studies that highlight how rural businesses and communities are thriving through targeted support and funding. Each story showcases how strategic use of grants, including those from the Rural England Prosperity Fund and other initiatives, has enabled diversification, growth, and resilience. From agriculture to tourism and rural enterprises, these examples are a testament to how unlocking funding can lead to sustainable development and long-term success.
This Week’s Case Study:
From Potatoes to Chips: How Rural England Prosperity Funding is Empowering a Family Potato Processor
A family-run potato processor used Rural England Prosperity Funding to modernize operations, expanding into frozen chip production, improving efficiency, sustainability, and supplier relationships.
Upcoming Case Studies
A family-run arable farm adapts to climate, market, and funding challenges by diversifying with treehouse holiday lets, ensuring long-term sustainability.
Previous Case Studies
Modernizing Tradition: How the Rural England Prosperity Fund Fuelled the Growth of an Essex Distillery
In 2013, an Essex family farm diversified into distilling, using local ingredients. Rural grant funding financed essential building upgrades, helping the distillery meet modern standards, expand, and enhance its tourism appeal.
Read full case study here
Breathing New Life into Heritage: How a Family Farm Transformed a Historic Asset with Rural England Prosperity Funding: Porters Hall, Essex
A family farm revived a neglected Grade 2 listed hall and buildings by converting them into luxury holiday accommodation, preserving heritage asset, creating jobs and developing a visitor destination.
Read full case study here
Revitalizing Fishing in North Essex: How the Rural England Prosperity Fund Enhanced Wellbeing Through Access to Nature and Fishing: Fennes Fishing
A family-run fishing lake business in Essex sought investment to upgrade infrastructure, enhancing accessibility and transforming the site into a premier tourist and wellbeing destination.
Read full case study here
From Farm to Fork: How a Family-Run Business Scaled Operations with the Help of the Rural England Prosperity Fund
A Rural England Prosperity Fund grant helped a family-run food processing business expand production, grow their workforce by 50%, and strengthen supply chains for sustainable growth.
Read full case study here
Sustainable Forestry: How Local Grants are Fuelling Growth and Green Innovation: Bartlow Estates
A woodland estate used the Rural England Prosperity Fund to sustainably manage woodlands, creating eco-friendly fuel, a new income stream, and supporting local biodiversity restoration.
Read full case study here
Tuffon Hall: Vineyard glamping boosts tourism growth.
A North Essex vineyard used Rural England Prosperity Fund support to introduce luxury glamping, expanding its offerings and income. The project creates jobs, boosts local tourism, and strengthens the regional economy, fostering sustainable rural growth.
Read full case study here
Deerbrook Farm: Funding for Development
A small Essex farm used LEADER grant funding to expand their beef herd, build a butchery and farm shop, boosting local economy, reducing food miles, and creating jobs.
Read full case study here
Watatunga Wildlife Reserve
A client sought funding to develop a 170-acre wildlife reserve with woodland, grassland, and lakes. A professional team secured the grant, enabling the creation of jobs, attracting visitors, and boosting local tourism and business through guided tours, luxury accommodations, and educational programmes.
Read Full Case Study here
The Harwich Mayflower Project
To celebrate the Mayflower’s 400th anniversary, research secured funding for a replica ship, boosting local tourism and jobs.
Read Full Case Study here
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