New £40m funding to support jobs and businesses in coastal communities

The Government has announced a new round of multi-million pound funding to create jobs and support businesses in the UK’s coastal communities.

The £40m pot was announced by Northern Powerhouse Minister Jake Berry during a visit to Barrow-in-Furness, where he saw first hand how the fund has impacted the Cumbrian town.

To date, the Government’s Coastal Communities Fund (CCF) has helped set up 500 businesses, supporting more than 5,500 jobs.

The new round is now open for applications.

Jake Berry MP said: “I’m delighted to announce that applications are now open for the next round of the Coastal Communities Fund.

“Coastal Communities up and down the country from Barrow-in-Furness to Brighton have been boosted by this funding which has spurred inward investment, sustainable growth, new jobs and exciting economic opportunities for local businesses.”

He added: “By 2020, we’ll have invested nearly a quarter of a billion pounds in our seaside areas, providing thousands of jobs, training places and opportunities along the Great British Coast.”

The CFF has awarded grants totalling over £174m since 2012.