Telford and Shropshire's Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) and Tourism Leadership Board has welcomed the launch of a new £10 million national Hospitality Grant Scheme, which will support independent pubs, restaurants and cafés across the UK, a sector that forms the backbone of the county's food, drink and hospitality offer.

The scheme, announced on 4 September 2026, is a three-year programme funding projects that help new hospitality businesses get started, bring vacant premises back into use, and deliver training programmes to build skills and careers in hospitality.

Delivered through a competitive application process, with successful projects expected to demonstrate clear benefits for hospitality businesses, local communities and workforce development.

For hospitality businesses across Telford and Shropshire, the scheme could provide an opportunity to support growth, develop skills and unlock future investment. Whether expanding into a second location, developing staff and career pathways, or bringing vacant premises back into use, eligible businesses are encouraged to review the guidance now and prepare for applications opening at the end of September. More than £3 million of the fund has been earmarked for Pub is The Hub, an organisation that helps pubs in rural and deprived communities diversify for example by introducing village shops, community cafés and play areas, helping pubs become vital community hubs.

Given Telford and Shropshire's large number of independent pubs, cafes and restaurants as well as its rural villages this element of the scheme is expected to be particularly relevant to the destination.

The scheme also aims to support innovation, productivity and sustainability across hospitality, and to create opportunities for young people and those further from the labour market. It builds on a previous pilot that supported more than 70 rural pub projects, two hospitality training facilities in UK prisons, and an innovation hub.

Mandy Thorn MBE DL, Chair of the Telford and Shropshire LVEP, said: "This is a really welcome boost for our county. Shropshire's independent pubs, restaurants and cafés aren't just businesses they're the heart of our villages and market towns, and often the first thing visitors remember about a trip here. Funding that helps new hospitality businesses get off the ground, brings empty premises back to life, and builds skills for the future is exactly what our sector needs. We'd encourage every eligible independent business in the county to look closely at this scheme when applications open at the end of September."

Adam Purnell, Telford and Shropshire LVEP Tourism Board Food, Drink and Hospitality Representative and owner of Embers Ironbridge, added: "We have no shortage of talent, ambition or brilliant food and drink businesses across Telford and Shropshire, and that's why this grant scheme is such a positive opportunity. Hospitality is all about people, and it's great to see a fund that backs both business growth and skills. Great hospitality starts with great people, and great businesses need the confidence to grow. This scheme recognises both, and I'd encourage eligible businesses to take a look at the guidance now and be ready when applications open at the end of September.

Applications for the new scheme are due to open from the end of September 2026. The Telford and Shropshire LVEP is encouraging eligible local businesses to review the guidance now available on the Hospitality Grant Scheme website, ahead of applications opening.