Funding for Businesses

Mobile Boost Scheme

Are you a business struggling with poor indoor mobile coverage? Connecting Devon and Somerset may be able to help. It has announced the expansion of the Mobile Boost Programme, which aims to upgrade indoor 4G coverage in “not-spot” areas.

Businesses and households can apply for a voucher of up to £1200 towards the cost of one of a number of mobile signal booster options from a registered supplier. The value of the voucher will be dependent on the type of technology most suitable for the premises. Suppliers will be able to advise on the most appropriate option. Businesses and residents will be required to make a contribution to cover the cost of installation.

For more information and to apply visit Connecting Devon and Somerset - Mobile Boost Scheme

‘Open Up To Skills’ funded training

Between March 2020 and March 2021 output in Devon’s hospitality sector dropped by around 60 per cent, leisure and arts fell by around 35 per cent and non-food retail experienced a reduction of 25 per cent. These sectors also suffered the most job reductions, with around 8,000 jobs being lost during this time.

Following this, a new 'Open Up To Skills' initiative has been launched as part of our economic recovery response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Running until March 2023, it will provide training opportunities for people working in Devon’s catering, hospitality, leisure, retail and tourism sectors to help businesses and the community overcome the devastating impact of the pandemic.

A wide range of skills support will be on offer, covering everything from digital, financial and operational management skills to diversification into areas such as food hygiene, and other practical skills including customer service.

The support will either upskill employees within their existing workplace or deliver new skills to improve the opportunities available to those seeking alternative employment within other sectors.

The training will be delivered by Seetec Outsource, so for more information and to express your interest in this great opportunity, please visit their website. There's a webpage for individuals and another for employers.

Business Impact Survey

The latest Business Impact Survey for Autumn 2021 (Round 4) is now closed. We will share the results in the coming weeks.

The aims of this survey were:

• To provide us with evidence of the longer-lasting impact of the restrictions imposed on Dartmoor businesses as a result of the Covid response
• To gain an understanding of what you require to aid recovery and to build a mandate to inform our response as we work with you and partners into a new phase of economic recovery
• To enable us to compare results from 2020 and assess the changing position and needs of Dartmoor businesses
• To provide our new Projects Officer with a starting point for how businesses on Dartmoor are coping in unprecedented times
• To strengthen or establish a direct line of communication and offer relevant support to your business

Previous survey results:

Round 3 (October 2020): Business Survey 3 Results

Round 2 (July 2020): Business Survey 2 Results

Round 1 (May 2020): Business Survey 1 Results. An infographic of the key results is also available.

If you have any questions or would like to talk or share anything else about the survey, please email economy@dartmoor.gov.uk or call 01626 832093.