Uttlesford launches new package of support for pubs
Uttlesford District Council has made several funding and support programmes available for pubs and bars as part of a wider engagement project.
The initiative includes a grant scheme for pubs and bars to carry out energy efficiency measures, trialling new community initiatives and support for social media and website promotion. This is the beginning of a longer-term approach to engagement with the sector, linked to the council's corporate priority of addressing rurality.
Over the last few months, the council's Economic Development Team has worked with social enterprise specialists Cultural Engine CIC to meet pubs across the district to understand their challenges. The project recognises the unique role pubs and bars play in the local community - economically, socially and culturally - as well as the challenging conditions in which they are operating. This includes rising energy costs, particularly for older buildings, alcohol taxes, rent, staff retention and keeping up with social media promotion and website updates.
The project was kicked off at a 'research, sharing and networking' event organised by the council at The Railway Arms in Saffron Walden. The next event is scheduled on 9 June and will be held at The Saracens Head in Great Dunmow where pub and bar managers and landlords can network, share insights and good practice, recognising there is something to be gained from collaboration and encouraging communities and visitors to visit pubs.
Cllr Neil Hargreaves, Portfolio Holder for Finance and Local Economy, said: "We are grateful for the hard work and dedication that everyone who run bars and pubs put in week in, week out. They work with local communities and welcome thousands of visitors throughout the year.
"The engagement project recognises the importance pubs and bars play in the district's economic, social and cultural profile. They are crucial in terms of local distinctiveness, encouraging tourism while also being important community spaces.
"We want to understand the challenges facing the sector and to see how we can offer direct support while also advocating for broader recognition of the sector through regional and national policy."
For more information about the engagement project, including how pubs and bars can apply for funding, visit https://business.uttlesford.gov.uk/
15 May 2025
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